Incorporating visual representations, rather than strictly relying on symbolic representations, is a research-based strategy for supporting fraction learning. However, students must also make transitions between visual and symbolic fraction representations to apply the conceptual understanding they gained from visual representations to symbolic…

To explain children's difficulties learning fraction arithmetic, Braithwaite et al. (2017) proposed FARRA, a theory of fraction arithmetic implemented as a computational model. The present study tested predictions of the theory in a new domain, decimal arithmetic, and investigated children's use of conceptual knowledge in that domain. Sixth and…

This study's first purpose was to investigate effects of a fourth- and fifth-grade "next-generation" fraction intervention, which included six enhancements over a previously validated fraction intervention, designed to address career- and college-readiness standards. The study's second purpose was to assess effects of the next-generation…

This article provides results from a study examining the impact of a self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) intervention on the fraction calculations of three Grade 5 male students with or at-risk for emotional or behavioral disorders using a multiple-baseline across students, single-case design. The teacher-led SRSD Fractions intervention…

This article proposes a practical method of teaching the addition of unit fractions using a series of mirror equation experiments.

The main purpose of this study is to assess pre-service and public elementary mathematics school teachers' conceptual understanding and computational abilities of fractions. 20 pre-service mathematics teachers and 24 in-service mathematics teachers participated in this study. In-service teachers were divided into two categories; one for teachers…

This document includes instructional tips on: (1) Building on students' informal understanding of sharing and proportionality to develop initial fraction concepts; (2) Helping students recognize that fractions are numbers that expand the number system beyond whole numbers, and using number lines to teach this and other fraction concepts; (3)…

This paper makes a proposal, from the perspective of a research mathematician interested in mathematics education, for broadening and deepening whole number arithmetic instruction, to make it more relevant for the twenty-first century, in particular, to enable students to deal with large numbers, arguably an essential skill for modern citizenship.…

This study's 1st purpose was to investigate effects of a 4th- and 5th-grade "next-generation" fraction intervention, which included 6 enhancements over a previously validated fraction intervention, designed to address Career- and College-Readiness standards. The next-generation intervention is referred to as "Super Solvers."…

Learning to compute with fractions is a major challenge for many students and especially for students with disabilities (SWD). Phase 1 of this study employed a randomized pretest-posttest comparison design to test the effects of two versions of formative assessment combined with an instructional program called Fractions at Work. In one condition,…

Without a doubt, fractions prove to be a stumbling block for many children. Researchers have suggested a variety of explanations for why this is the case. The introduction of symbolization and operations before the development of conceptual understanding of fractions, a lack of understanding of the role of the numerator and denominator, and an…

It seems that calculators continue to be misunderstood as devices solely for calculation, although the likely contributions to learning mathematics with modern calculators arise from other characteristics. A four-part model to understand the educational significance of calculators underpins this paper. Each of the four components (representation,…

Assessment data from the United States and international reports of student achievement indicate that upper elementary students are failing to meet basic levels of proficiency in fractions and writing, and that this is particularly prevalent with students with or at-risk for learning disabilities in mathematics. Proficiency with fractions has been…

Learning to compute with fractions is a major challenge for many students and especially for students with disabilities (SWD). Phase 1 of this study employed a randomized pretest-posttest comparison design to test the effects of two versions of formative assessment combined with an instructional program called Fractions at Work. In one condition,…

Many children fail to master fraction arithmetic even after years of instruction, a failure that hinders their learning of more advanced mathematics as well as their occupational success. To test hypotheses about why children have so many difficulties in this area, we created a computational model of fraction arithmetic learning and presented it…