In this paper, the hypothesis that Developmental Dyscalculia (DD) is a characteristic of Down syndrome (DS) is proposed. Implications for the hypothesis are addressed: If it were to be confirmed that DS implies DD, what would be the consequences for the mathematics education of learners with DS? The use of prosthetic devices to overcome the…

Why is subsequent recall sometimes better for self-generated answers than for answers obtained from an external source (e.g., calculator)? In this study, we explore the relative contribution of 2 processes, recall attempts and self-computation, to this "generation effect" (i.e., enhanced answer recall relative to when problems are practiced with a…

All common fractions can be written in decimal form. In this Discovery article, the author suggests that teachers ask their students to calculate the decimals by actually doing the divisions themselves, and later on they can use a calculator to check their answers. This article presents a lesson based on the research of Bolt (1982).

Discusses the history of different methods of representing numbers and how these representations facilitated counting and computing devices such as the abacus. (MDH)

Found that, after extracting an arithmetic problem from a real situation and working out an answer, 6- to 12-year-olds with learning difficulties in math were unable to reapply the answer to the situation. Also found that the children, in a hypothetical situation, were unable to use token money, or to do calculations on paper or with an electronic…

Analyzes and refutes the arguments made by "back-to-basics" proponents against the use of calculators and for traditional instruction in the algorithms of pencil-and-paper arithmetic. Argues for the value of mental arithmetic in achieving all the aims and more of the traditional curriculum. (Author/ASK)

A program is presented which enables a programable calculator to become a device to check the arithmetic computational skills of students. (MP)

Describes a framework to help teachers decide when to use calculators with their students. (YDS)

A case is made against the major argument which implies that the use of a calculator for arithmetic problems that can be done by hand will prevent a student from being able to do arithmetic when the calculator is absent. (MN)

Calculators have made the arithmetic curriculum obsolete in both scope and sequence. Calculators can perform each operation as easily as any other. We should be asking if there is ever a time when we should trust paper-and-pencil computation. (MNS)

A description is given of a calculator-oriented arithmetic course given at a community college. Problem solving was the primary objective of the course. (MK)

The possible subtle influence of calculators in the routine evaluation of the arithmetical proficiency of students is noted. The authors show with statistical interpretation the results of a study conducted on a class of 71 first-year professional pharmacy students taking a two-credit hour pharmaceutical calculations course. (LBH)

Ways to make a discussion of the commutative properties of addition and multiplication more interesting to students are reviewed. An alternative promoted is a transposition-of-digits property, seen as useful in a number of instructional situations. The proposed investigation could be structured around calculator use. (MP)