The use of play as a means of teaching elementary mathematics is discussed. Earlier work is summarized and fresh results offered, particularly those concerned with the retention and transfer of play-acquired learning. The mathematical content chosen (factor, multiple, prime number, common factor, prime factor, and factorizing) is discussed. (CT)

An approach to teaching multiplication and division with negative numbers that focuses on graphs to illustrate concepts is revealed. The material and problems used are presented with comments on the teaching methods applied with 11-year-olds. (MP)

The item-response-theory-based (IRT) rule-space model was used to diagnose student knowledge about how exponents behave in multiplication and division in a sample of 431 tenth-grade students. Implications for using feedback from the rule-space model in instruction and assessment are discussed. (SLD)

This paper studies the difficulties children have solving word problems that correspond to one of the situations modeled by multiplication; that of a ratio (e.g. "candies per box"), multiplied by an extensive quantity (e.g. "boxes") (I x E). Sixty children were individually observed solving and repeating I x E problems. Various…

Discussed are preservice elementary teachers' misconceptions and inconsistent beliefs about multiplication and division with decimals. Sources of inconsistencies and recommendations for overcoming inconsistencies are included. (KR)

This article details problems and instructional approaches intended to promote preservice teachers' understanding of the reasoning underlying whole number multiplication. (Contains 9 figures.)

This book provides practical ideas and information for volunteer tutors and teachers about teaching numeracy, as well as a reference section that concentrates on specific content areas. The first part of the book considers teaching techniques, the planning and presentation of numeracy material, evaluation of progress, reinforcement of newly…

Identifies the types of reasoning involved in middle grade mathematics with regard to multiplicative structures and the difficulties students have with the concepts, why these difficulties might occur, and the interconnections within this content area. Offers four recommendations for the preparation and professional development of teachers.…

Two alternative representations for the concept of common multiples are presented. These representations can be modeled on or off the computer. (PK)

A Copy, Cover, and Compare procedure was found to produce large improvements in the accuracy of the multiplication facts of two middle school students with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. The addition of a token economy program produced only small improvements in performance. (Author/PB)

Three experiments compared the effects of interspersal drill and practice using 30% new items/70% review items with 100% new items, with a total of 17 students (ages 9 to 17) having behavior disorders, emotional handicaps, learning disabilities, or mild mental retardation. The ratios were compared for instruction in spelling, multiplication facts,…

Assessed the achievement in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of 93 fourth graders before and after they received either computer or traditional classroom drill-and-practice instruction. Students who received computer instruction showed greater increases in achievement scores in subtraction and multiplication than did students…

Described is a game that is used to introduce the concept of multiplying integers. Serving as a physical model for the concept, "Froggie Frolic" races frogs along a number line by moves that indicate direction, magnitude, and number of jumps, thus modeling integer multiplication. A teacher's guide and worksheets are provided. (MDH)

Mathematics is a core subject in the UK curriculum, with high standards achievement a policy of the UK government. Innovative approaches and strategies have been advocated to achieve these high standards. One approach that has been advocated is Precision Teaching, supported by its successful application in schools in the United States. For this…

A program for teaching "number sense" is suggested based on experiences in teaching numeracy to Papua New Guinean adults. Number sense starts out with some sort of "feel" about the size of a number and extends upwards to include any such mental arithmetical skills as can reasonably be incorporated in an appropriate program.…