This study investigated middle school students' conceptual understanding of algebraic equations. Participants in the study--257 sixth- and seventh-grade students--were asked to solve one set of algebraic equations and to generate story problems corresponding with another set of equations. Structural aspects of the equations, including the number…

"Concept study" is described in this article as a collaboration of teachers to investigate images, analogies, metaphors, exercises, and other experiences that are used to support students' understandings of concepts. The discussion is illustrated with the examples of multiplication and prime numbers. (Contains 3 figures.)

Structured multisensory drills and activities used to teach the multiplication tables to a hyperactive boy are described. (CL)

Tabulation of addition and multiplication fact frequencies in arithmetic texts for grades one through six showed that large facts, with operands larger than five, occurred only half as frequently as those with operands in the two-to-five range. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (MKR)

Background: Understanding arithmetical principles is a key part of a conceptual understanding of mathematics. However, very little attention has been paid to children's understanding of multiplicative, as compared to additive, principles. Aims: This study investigated (a) children's ability to use commutative and distributive cues to solve…

This research demonstrates the design of a Joyful Classroom Learning System (JCLS) with flexible, mobile and joyful features. The theoretical foundations of this research include the experiential learning theory, constructivist learning theory and joyful learning. The developed JCLS consists of the robot learning companion (RLC), sensing input…

This book is about playing with mathematics, teaching: (1) How to multiply and divide large numbers mentally; (2) Making addition and subtraction easy; (3) Tricks for understanding fractions and decimals; and (4) How to quickly check answers for each calculation. Described as a foolproof way to do multiplication, division, factoring estimating,…

Two procedures significantly improved multiplication skills in six students (nine to 12 years old) with learning disabilities. The procedures were writing out multiplication problems and saying problems aloud while working. (CL)

Describes strategies for teaching elementary students to solve a multiplication problem using the lattice method. (JOW)

Multiplication and division have in general been much more difficult to perform than addition and subtraction. Perhaps, if we could find some device for reducing multiplication and division to addition and subtraction, computational loads could be lightened. One such device is that of logarithms of course. This note outlines another such device…

The strategies for learning multiplication concepts are discussed. The strategies involve introduction of the multiplication concepts through problem solutions with linkage between new concepts and prior knowledge, provision of concrete experiences and semi-concrete representations prior to purely symbolic notations, explicit teaching of the rules…

The effectiveness of a pentop computer when teaching multiplication facts to three middle school students with mild intellectual disabilities was examined. A multiple probe design was used to assess the students learning of one and two digit multiplication facts over a 2-3 week intervention period. During the intervention phase, students used a…

A simple, handmade device for teaching multiplication facts is described. (JT)