Assessment data and other research findings on fractions are briefly reviewed. These indicate that students are able to add and subtract fractions but have substantial difficulty finding and using common denominators. Selected results for nine-year-olds from the first and second national assessments of mathematics are used to portray what students…

Four different conceptions of error-making from a pedagogical perspective are developed. Using errors as springboards for learning is advocated, so that better understanding of content and of the nature of mathematics results. (MNS)

This is a report of an application of the interpretation of errors and springboards in a real-life situation. If and why we need to reduce fractions is considered. (MNS)

A common mistake in adding fractions involves the confusion betwen the concepts of fraction and ratio. A coherent system to operate with ratios is developed. (MNS)

This manual is a dictionary of some 150 errors made by students in their work in mathematics. A precise definition and examples are given for each of these errors and these, combined with a description of common causes of the error, form a background for diagnosis of student problems with arithmetic. Teaching strategies and ideas, each linked to a…

Students make errors in mathematics for a variety of reasons. It is the job of the educator to identify the source of these errors and to assist students in correcting them. The purpose of this monograph is to help identify, analyze, and evaluate students' computational proficiency. This monograph is divided into four sections: "Whole Numbers";…

A brief overview is given of a research project funded to investigate the cause and cure of errors in ratio and proportion, algebra, and fractions. Choosing pertinent information, interviewing students, listing significant features, developing lessons, and testing the materials are considered. (MNS)

Illustrated first is the case in which a wrong procedure (with fractions) leads to a correct result. Trying to justify why it works in this case and looking for similar patterns involved interesting algebraic considerations as well as use of computers. (MNS)

This booklet is a catalog of error patterns found in basic arithmetic and algebra courses. It is intended to be used as a resource by instructors and tutors teaching these concepts. The material is divided into major concept headings with subheadings. The error patterns are named and given a brief general description followed by a specific example…

This book provides a comprehensive collection of 66 teaching strategies and ideas to help overcome problems with number, each linked to a specific kind of error described in the related manual. Most of these strategies are classroom-ready and easily implemented. Some are notes for the teacher to read and then plan activities accordingly, and many…

This report resulted from work with primary grade children and teachers in Kankakee, Illinois. Essays by four resource persons and two observers are included, each expressing insights and feelings in order to share ideas with resource persons for primary mathematics teaching in other schools. A main objective is to represent the ways elementary…