This study investigated the sets of mental computation strategies used by prospective elementary teachers to compute sums and differences of whole numbers. In the context of an intervention designed to improve the number sense of prospective elementary teachers, participants were interviewed pre/post, and their mental computation strategies were…

This article contributes to the research literature concerning prospective elementary teachers' mathematical thinking and learning with a focus on flexibility. We present a case study of a prospective elementary teachers' development of flexibility in mental addition and subtraction during a Number and Operations course. Building upon the…

Two mental algorithms, one for addition and one for subtraction, are described. It is felt such algorithms should be taught explicitly. The usual process taught for paper and pencil is seen to inhibit mental arithmetic, and a need to include mental algorithms in the regular mathematics curriculum is promoted. (MP)

Students who can compute mathematical problems in their heads have learned a skill that is important for estimating and for understanding the number system. Practice activities that can help students master mental computation skills are described. (PP)

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)

Presented is a method of teaching adding and subtracting as an interrelated series of patterns using a number line. Examples of the use of this method as well as the materials necessary are discussed. Applications of the method to multiplication and division are given. (CW)

The author suggests that the efficient use of mathematics in everyday life means translating situations into mathematical contexts, using a calculator and mental methods of calculation. Suggestions for teaching these concepts are included. (PK)

Traditional methods of teaching addition include algorithms that involve right-to-left procedures. This article describes efficient procedures for left-to-right addition and subtraction involving computation and computational estimation that reflect children's natural behaviors observed during activities with unifix cubes. (MDH)

The study involving 183 learning disabled and 852 nondisabled children (grades 3 through 6), investigated students' performance on arithmetic basic fact problems in addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Three separate group administered tests were devised, covering 98 basic addition, 98 subtraction, and 98 multiplication facts. Children were…

A teacher in a large suburban elementary school in East Tennessee found that her fourth grade students had poor number sense and relied almost solely upon algorithmic procedure to solve math problems. Therefore, mental math was difficult for these students, so the daily number talks method was employed to strengthen number sense. However, no…

Nigerian second graders (n=58) were given instruction on using counting and thinking strategies. Compared to 54 controls, they performed better on recall and retention of number facts. (SK)

Presents five activities focusing on mental computation and estimation for the K-3, 3-5, 4-6, and 6-8 grade levels that require the student, acting as a judge, to review solutions to problems and to pronounce and justify a verdict. Provides suggested materials, questions, possible extensions, answers, and worksheets for each activity. (MDH)

Two mnemonic acronyms can help learning-disabled children remember to complete the necessary steps for regrouping in addition and subtraction. (DB)

Explores adult adding techniques and ponders whether they have any relevance to working with primary school children. Suggests ways that can help children develop into effective adders. (ASK)

Directions are given for preparing a puzzle that may be used to provide practice in computation. (MP)