Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math--math that is free of distortions--will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do. Memorization tricks and algorithms meant to make math…

After years of noticing the challenge our students have with fraction operations, we decided to implement a scaffold approach that focuses on using benchmarks to better develop both students' understanding of a fraction as a quantity and their ability to think about fraction operations meaningfully. While we found this approach supported students…

This study investigated children's knowledge of the addition of fractions with unlike denominators. It focussed on the strategies used by children to add fractions with unlike denominators. A cross-sectional survey of Grade 8 children in schools in two districts in Ghana was used. A test on the addition of fractions with unlike denominators was…

The purpose of this study is to assess the fraction addition problems posed by pre-service teachers using digital storytelling and to identify their perspectives on this activity. 69 mathematics teacher candidates participated in the study. The research comprises two sections. Participants were expected to pose a problem via digital storytelling…

Fraction arithmetic facility is fundamental to learning more advanced math topics. However, attaining the ability to add and subtract fractions is hard for many students. The present longitudinal study examined students' growth on simple addition and subtraction word problems between fourth and sixth grades (N = 536). Latent class growth analyses…

This study used units coordination as a theoretical lens to investigate how whole number and fraction reasoning may be related for preservice teachers at the conclusion of a math methods class. The study contributes quantitative evidence that units coordination provides a common foundation for both mathematical knowledge for teaching whole number…

This study is an investigation of elementary preservice teachers' (PSTs') exploration of model breaking points in fractions. Eighty-three PSTs at two universities in the Midwestern and Southwestern regions of the USA were asked to explore the area model of fraction addition through a series of tasks and explain their reasoning in determining its…

Mixed numbers and fraction in general have been a problem for students not only in understanding the concept of itself, but also in understanding the operation of it, such as addition. Thus, supporting students in learning addition of mixed numbers is needed. The aim of this study is to develop a local instructional theory and materials related to…

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

This article focuses on how two mathematics teachers (Amy and Beth -- pseudonyms) cope with the changes of meanings in multiplication due to the changes of contexts. It highlights the qualitative similarities and differences between these two teachers in the sense-making process of multiplication. A potentially useful framework of supportive and…

Mathematics educators and researchers have advocated for the use of manipulatives to teach mathematics for decades. The purpose of this article is to provide illustrative uses of a readily available manipulative rather than a complete list. From an Australian perspective, Pop-it fidget toys can be used across the mathematics curriculum. This paper…

The purpose of this study is to analyze pre-service elementary teachers' problems in terms of the different meanings of the addition of fractions and to determine the types of errors made in these problems. Data were collected from 83 pre-service elementary teachers in the spring semester of the 2016-2017 academic year by means of a problem posing…

Learning fractions is a critical step in children's mathematical development. However, many children struggle with learning fractions, especially fraction arithmetic. In this article, we propose a general framework for integrating understanding of individual fractions and fraction arithmetic, and we use the framework to generate interventions…

Learning fractions is a critical step in children's mathematical development. However, many children struggle with learning fractions, especially fraction arithmetic. In this article, we propose a general framework for integrating understanding of individual fractions and fraction arithmetic, and we use the framework to generate interventions…

Background: The concept of rational numbers is one of the learner's first experiences with a Mathematics concept beyond the basic skills operations on whole numbers. The personal knowledge of fractions that teachers bring to the teaching context is important because teachers mediate the conceptions that their learners construct. Aim: This study…