The subtraction ideas presented are designed for elementary and junior high school children, yet are felt to be flexible enough to offer some challenge for high school students, particularly in algebra. (MP)

A way to use tongue depressors in a model of multiplication is presented. The original intent was to use the sticks to teach about fractions, but "mistakes" in student responses led to new ideas. It is felt that teachers should use the model in teaching multiplication. (MP)

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)

Pre-experimental interviews conducted with three children to investigate three aspects of the nature of counting are detailed. Sixteen findings related to the counting of perceptual items are summarized. (MP)

We should not, in the name of "back to basics," regress to the old methodologies of memorization and drill. Computational skills must be thoroughly developed, but mathematics should also be taught in a way that will enhance thinking skills and problem solving in an enjoyable atmosphere. (Author/SJL)

In presenting a rationale for allowing--even encouraging--children to count on their fingers, the author illustrates finger counting systems from African and American Indian tribes and the medieval European system cataloged by the Venerable Bede. She cites number words from many languages which derive from names for gestures. (SJL)

A proposal to shift to a conceptually oriented curriculum using the calculator as an instructional tool and to eliminate the teaching of complex computations in elementary school is presented. (MP)

An example of an unrealistic "real world" problem from the National Assessment of Educational Progress highlights a comparison of school and "folk" mathematics. The failures of typical problems taught in school and some suggested remedies are featured. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document:…

Directions for making a device that parents can use to help children practice basic skills are given. (MK)

Activities to develop counting skills are given. (MK)

A technique is described whereby the center of an irregularly shaped object can be determined. Several activities are suggested that require the use of a piece of cardboard mounted at its center of gravity. (SA)

Attainment relative to six cognitive operations and four number and computational skills was assessed for 90 elementary students using clinical procedures. Variance associated with conservation of number, seriation, and logical classification competency accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in achievement scores. (Author/MK)

The author suggests that educators are not using enough nonprint materials or are not using them correctly. She lists inexpensive nonprint materials in the areas of reading, writing, and computation which are worth previewing. (KC)

This essay discusses the possible types of uses of calculators in the elementary school, citing several publications, articles, and research studies. (MP)

This calculator experiment for seventh-grade students on prime factorization contains objectives, difficulties, a discussion, several examples, and a worksheet. (MP)