Teacher planning procedures employing percentage-based measurement summaries and subsequent implementation of the results of planning with and without error analysis resulted in moderate increases in correct mathematics computation of learning disabled 10-13 year olds. No significant differences were found for presence or absence of error…

This paper is concerned with the role of meaning and understanding in the acquisition of computational skill in subtraction. Evidence on the syntactic nature of subtraction errors is reviewed, with common "bugs" described. Then, data collected from interviews with four children are summarized in terms of their semantics of concrete…

Recommendations for remediation of 28 distinct common error patterns in arithmetic computation are described. (SD)

What two teachers found when they took a close look at the results of a sentence-solving test given in grades four and five is reported. Error patterns appeared less frequently after instruction but recurred on retention tests. How students can be helped is suggested. (MNS)

This is a preliminary report on research into computational errors made by six- and seven-year-olds. (Author/MK)

A variety of student work procedures and answer patterns for whole-number computation is examined. Specific suggestions for helping students who make each type of error are offered. (MN)

A model of subtraction development and the computing difficulties and research issues suggested by the model are outlined. Demands of simultaneous processes, difficulties with informal subtraction, and the impact on the counting-up procedure are discussed. (MNS)

Tests of (n=107) third through sixth graders' basic addition facts found that 34% of errors involved the addition of zero and 83% of the remaining errors involved at least one of the digits 7, 8, or 9 when the other addend was 4 or more. (20 references) (MKR)

Three studies were conducted in order to determine the source and frequency of children's difficulties in subtraction and to examine different approaches to remediation. In the first study, third-grade children were asked to solve subtraction problems and were observed and questioned about their solution processes. Children who had difficulty…

The study of computational errors among sixth grade students included identification and classification of errors, investigation of the effects of two feedback treatments and of classwork and homework on error patterns, and investigation of the relationships of error patterns with intelligence, mathematics achievement, attitudes toward…

Investigation of the relationship between systematic computational errors and achievement among native Indian children indicated a significant relationship between error type and achievement in multiplication but not in addition or subtraction. In multiplication, high achievers tended to make nonsystematic errors; low achievers tended to make…

Four basic types of student errors in computation are noted and described. These are: (1) mechanical, (2) careless, (3) conceptual, and (4) procedural. It is felt many teachers deal with all errors as if they were of the unhabituated procedural type, with not enough attention given to other possibilities. (MP)

Using R. S. Siegler's retrieval-required task, 19 male and 22 female third graders were examined before they had been introduced to multiplication in school. Examination of error patterns suggests that the basic assumptions of the distribution-of-associations model need to be tested directly and that the retrieval-required task confounds retrieved…

Dialogue from an interview with a child about division basic facts is presented. The facts are considered by groups, and specific errors are noted. Finally, remediation ideas are given. (MNS)

The need to provide understandable problems and ways to help children understand problems are explored. An interview with a sixth grader depicts his incorrect strategies and leads to suggestions for teaching problem solving using a range of mathematical models for each operation. (MNS)