This is the second in a series of articles on using mathematical techniques from history to provide an interesting way for middle graders to practice math. (Editor)

Using error analysis and individual interviews, the problem-solving actions of first and second graders were analyzed. Shortcomings of children's knowledge and solution strategies were seen to be overcome by instruction. A control group, with usual arithmetic instruction, and an experimental group were established and the hypothesized…

Activities are given for solving verbal subtraction problems. Take-away and comparison situations are described, and three levels of activities to model the situations are given: one involving concrete materials and verbal descriptions; the second with these plus written symbols; and the third encouraging mental images. (MNS)

This paper proposes a theory that can account for differences between everyday and formal mathematics knowledge and a set of processes by which informal knowledge is transformed into formal mathematics. After an introduction, the paper is developed in five sections. The first section lays out the nature of informal, everyday mathematics knowledge.…

Design and results of an investigation attempting to analyze and improve children's solution processes in elementary addition and subtraction problems are described. As background for the study, a conceptual model was developed based on previous research. One dimension of the model relates to the characteristics of the tasks (numerical versus word…

Surveys the format and contents of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century arithmetic textbooks. Discusses the types of problems that were most popular in these early texts and briefly analyzes problem contents. Notes the residual educational influence of this era's arithmetical and instructional practices. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/MDH)

Thirty-six Korean first graders were interviewed to study their ability solving addition problems with sums of 10, single-digit sums between 10 and 18, and subtraction problems with minuends between 10 and 18. Finger methods to show sums over 10 and the regular named-10 Korean number words supported their learning of 3 efficient recomposition…

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)

By using word problems relevant to agricultural occupations, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in seven areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) ratios and…

Utilizing word problems relevant to the data processing field, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in ten areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the multiplication, addition, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) ratios and proportions; (4)…

Presents the teaching strategy of having first grade students write their own word problems. Suggests the use of calculators to permit students to create problems with larger, more realistic numbers. Gives examples of student-generated problems and discusses students' attempts to solve the problems. (MDH)

Through the use of word problems relevant to the field of office occupations education, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in ten areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and…

This document contains both an instructor's guide and a reference manual. It was developed as part of a cooperative venture between Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Wayne County (Michigan) Community College, and Great Lakes Steel (GLS). The instructor's guide has four sections: math for success in electronics, student materials, electronics…

Utilizing word problems relevant to automotive mechanics, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in 13 areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) scientific notation;…

Utilizing word problems relevant to the field of environmental health, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in 14 areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3)…