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)

Describes a program in second-grade Dutch mathematics classes that emphasizes mental addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers up to 100. Deals with a strategy of counting by 10s from any number. (Contains 56 references.) (RLB)

To develop their logico-mathematical foundation of number as described by Piaget (1947/1950, 1967/1971, 1971/1974), 26 low-performing, low-SES first graders were given physical-knowledge activities (e.g., Pick-Up Sticks and "bowling") during the math hour instead of math instruction. During the second half of the school year, when they showed…

Discusses various research findings aimed at helping teachers provide a classroom climate which leads students to develop better number sense. Focuses on number and symbol meaning, including number size, place value, and fractions, as well as computation and computational estimation. (MKR)

Examined the effects of intervention in the instruction of 12 male seventh-grade students for the purpose of developing number sense. Results indicate that after instruction students were more likely to use strategies to solve number magnitude, mental computation, and computational estimation problems that reflected number sense. (Contains 50…

Examined elementary and junior high school students in grades 2, 5, and 7 to determine baseline data about student performance on mental computation. Reports performance levels, difficulties of different types of mental computation, and preferences for doing computations mentally, with calculators, or by hand for each grade level. (MDH)

The aim of the present study was to address how to effectively predict mathematics learning disability (MLD). Specifically, we addressed whether cognitive data obtained during kindergarten can effectively predict which children will have MLD in third grade, whether an abbreviated test battery could be as effective as a standard psychoeducational…

Presents five examples of how technology can be integrated into Family Math nights. Activities involve graphing, managing money, developing mental mathematics skills, developing deductive and spatial reasoning, and using tangrams to explore patterns and spatial relationships. Includes a list of software publishers. (MDH)

Presents a study of 87 second graders to demonstrate that achievement tests in primary mathematics emphasize pupil's lower-order thinking by comparing answers to interview questions from constructivist and traditionally instructed groups. Results indicated that constructivist instructed students demonstrated superior higher-order thinking on tasks…