This book is a compilation of recent research on the development of multiplicative concepts. The sections and chapters are: (1) Theoretical Approaches: "Children's Multiplying Schemes" (L. Steffe), "Multiplicative Conceptual Field: What and Why?" (G. Vergnaud), "Extending the Meaning of Multiplication and Division" (B. Greer); (2) The Role of the…

This essay clarifies what it means to know mathematics by examining ways of knowing multiplication and explores what those ways of knowing imply for the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. It reviews the perennial argument about whether computational skill or conceptual understanding should guide the school curriculum. A mathematical…

This study compared the error patterns of third- and fourth-grade children on addition, subtraction, and multiplication exercises in horizontal and vertical formats. The research design used parallel eight-item tests for each operation; the only difference between items on parallel forms was the formal (horizontal or vertical) of the computational…

THIS BOOKLET, ONE OF A SERIES, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED FOR THE PROJECT, A PROGRAM FOR MATHEMATICALLY UNDERDEVELOPED PUPILS. A PROJECT TEAM, INCLUDING INSERVICE TEACHERS, IS BEING USED TO WRITE AND DEVELOP THE MATERIALS FOR THIS PROGRAM. THE MATERIALS DEVELOPED IN THIS BOOKLET INCLUDE (1) ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION WITH WHOLE NUMBERS, (2) PATTERNS AND…

This booklet, one of a series, has been developed for the project, A Program for Mathematically Underdeveloped Pupils. A project team, including inservice teachers, is being used to write and develop the materials for this program. The materials developed in this booklet include (1) addition, subtraction, and multiplication in modulo seven…

The author investigates elementary school students' performance when solving selected open distributive sentences in relation to three factors (Open Sentence Type, Context, Number Size) and identifies and classifies solution methods attempted by students and students' errors in performance. Eighty fifth-grade students participated in the…

A computer program which generates randomly sequenced problems for testing the abilities of students to add, subtract, and multiply one-digit numbers is described. Appendices provide tables of random sequences with directions for using the tables. The 54-statement FORTRAN program which can be used in generating additional sequences is also…

The purpose of this study was to compare instruction in multiplication and division by means of manipulative materials and pupil discovery to instruction using abstract and semi-concrete materials combined with teacher explanation and exposition. The effect of the two methods on pupils' attitude and achievement also was compared. Ten classrooms…

This teacher guide is part of the materials prepared for an individualized program for ninth-grade algebra and basic mathematics students. Materials written for the program are to be used with audiovisual lessons recorded on tape cassettes. For an evaluation of the program, see ED 086 545. In this guide, the teacher is provided with objectives for…

A computer program designed to give a student practice in multiplication is discussed. The program features Editing of Input, Answer Positioning, and Timing Routines. (MN)

Four methods of solutions and 12 calculative strategies were found from introspective reports of 15 skilled and 15 unskilled students in grades 11 and 12 doing mental multiplication. Unskilled students used strategies more suited to written than mental computation, while skilled students used strategies based on number properties. (MNS)

How children perceive doubling and halving numbers is discussed, with many examples. The use of calculators is integrated. The tendency to avoid division if other ways of solving a problem can be found was noted. (MNS)

Over 600 pupils in grades five, seven, and nine in Italian schools were asked to choose the operation needed to solve 26 multiplication and division word problems. The findings seemed to confirm the impact of the repeated addition model on multiplication and of the partitive model on division. (MNS)

Programing a microcomputer to solve problems in whole-number arithmetic, rather than using the built-in operations of the computer, is described. Not only useful, it also enhances important mathematical concepts and is adaptable to a range of student abilities. (MNS)

Directions are given for a game providing practice with multiplication combinations and for a game involving counting and number combinations. (DT)