In the past decade, Computational Thinking (CT) education has received growing attention from researchers. Although many reviews have provided synthesized information on CT teaching and learning, few have paid particular attention to collaborative learning (CL) strategies. CL has been widely implemented in CT classes and has become the most…

There is an increasing interest in the integration of computational thinking (CT) in the K-12 curriculum. By integrating CT into other disciplines, the aim is to equip students with essential skills to navigate domain-specific challenges. This study conducts a systematic review of 108 peer-reviewed scientific papers to analyze in which K-12…

Reacts to an article published in a previous issue of this journal on the effects of graphing calculators and computer algebra systems (CAS) on students' manual calculation and algebraic manipulation skills. Considers the contribution made by Jean-Baptiste Lagrange to thinking about the role of CAS in teaching algebra. (ASK)

Students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 were tested in a two-part investigation of simple and complex mental addition (with college students as a reference point). One session involved a normal reaction time task in which children made true/false judgments about a series of addition examples. The other session involved a verbal protocol interview, the…

A program is given which offers students a chance to practice mental computation and judge the effects of various rules for formating output. (MNS)

Strategies for rapid mental computation are explained, including multiplying by 11 (or 21, 31, etc.); adding columns of numbers; and multiplying 2-digit numbers. Rapid mental computation is suggested as a motivator for investigating the underlying mathematical principles. (DB)

NCTM Past President Cathy L. Seeley shares her messages on today's most relevant topics and issues in education. Based on Cathy L. Seeley's award-winning NCTM President's Messages, and including dozens of new messages, this must-have K-12 resource offers straight talk and common sense about some of today's most important, thought-provoking issues…

A set of three problem-solving programs designed as drills that give practice in mental arithmetic are reviewed. The programs are viewed to have several weaknesses in style, but are noted as worthy of consideration for purchase. The material is designed to motivate students to practice all four basic operations. (MP)

Describes the basic and exceptional calculation abilities of a calculating prodigy whose performances were investigated in single- and multi-digit number multiplication, numerical comparison, raising of powers, and short-term memory tasks. Shows how his highly efficient long-term memory storage and retrieval processes, knowledge of calculation…

Describes two main categories of mental activity used by students in mathematics classes: mental mathematics and mathematical thought. Calls for the continuation of teaching mental mathematics and asks for the inclusion of mathematical thought in the national curricula. (MKR)

This book, written by participants of a joint Japan-United States seminar, drawing upon years of classroom and research experience, examines how computation applies in basic and far-reaching ways, starting in early childhood and continuing throughout individuals' lives. The book presents both the Japanese and American views of computational…

Four worksheets and teaching suggestions are presented, with the focus on mental computation for levels 2-3; factors, levels 3-4; and nonroutine problems, levels 5-6 and 7-8. (MNS)

Example of magic tricks that can be used as an integral part of various lessons in arithmetic and algebra are given. Their mathematical basis is also discussed. (MNS)

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:…

This study was conducted to obtain information related to mental computation from students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 in Western Australia. The numbers of subjects were 163, 163, 163 and 152 in years 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively. The research was designed to provide three different perspectives of mental computation: (1) a survey of the kinds of…