This paper presents an updated WWC (What Works Clearinghouse) Review of the Article "Culture and the Interaction of Student Ethnicity with Reward Structure in Group Learning". The study examined the effects of different reward systems used in group learning situations on the math skills of African-American and White students. The…

Using factoring as an aid to mental multiplication is illustrated. Other suggestions for teaching mental computation are also included. (MNS)

This case study examined the performance of a 13-year-old highly skilled mental calculator on mental multiplication tasks. She solved difficult tasks by using various ingenious calculation methods, including distributing, factoring, and recalling the product directly. Implications for instruction are reported. (Author/RH)

How children perceive doubling and halving numbers is discussed, with many examples. The use of calculators is integrated. The tendency to avoid division if other ways of solving a problem can be found was noted. (MNS)

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)

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)

Provides an alternative to traditional instruction in multiplication and division to develop computational fluency in students. (Author/NB)

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…

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)

Use of an ancient method of mental calculation with aliquot parts is illustrated. Other tips for helping children reason are also included. (MNS)

Two games and one activity designed to be used with a hand-held calculator are presented. (MK)

A method of multiplying using fingers is described and an explanation given. The method is then generalized to other number bases. (MP)

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

A learning disabled student was drilled on multiplication facts, with records of his performance used to help him reach mastery. A sequence in which the 0 facts, 1 facts, etc., are taught is used. (MNS)