The research examined the calculation methods used by pupils in Grades 3-6 when they were presented with problems that could be worked out efficiently and flexibly by applying number sense. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of 179 pupils between the ages 7 years and 10 months to 12 years and 10 months. in mainstream education in…

Individual differences in strategy use (choice and accuracy) were analyzed. A sample of 362 Grade 6 students solved complex division problems under 2 different conditions. In the choice condition students were allowed to use either a mental or a written strategy. In the subsequent no-choice condition, they were required to use a written strategy.…

A study of activities in mental computation and in paper and pencil enrichment activities for sixth graders showed that both treatments produced increases in achievement test scores. Examples of both types of activities used are included. (DT)

Tests of computational estimation ability (CEA), strategy (CES), and mental computation ability (MCA) of (n=124) fourth, (n=143) fifth, and (n=84) sixth graders found significant relationships between CEA and MCA and between CEA and CES but not between MCA and CES. (12 references) (Author/MKR)