In this article, the author presents the results of a state project that focused on the effect of developing informal written computation processes through Years 2-4. The "developing computation" project was conducted in Tasmania over the two years 2002-2003 and involved nine schools: five government schools, two Catholic schools, and…

A major goal of instruction is for students to develop competence with numbers. This study attempts to determine the effect of instructional materials that develop number concepts and connect these concepts to mental computation procedures. The study used 16 classes of eighth-grade students and a pretest-posttest design with two treatment groups.…

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)

This yearbook responds to the growing recognition among mathematics educators of the importance of teaching and learning estimation. It makes a strong case for the importance of estimation in such domains as numerosity, computation, and measurement. An important theme is the interdependency between the process of estimating in a particular domain…

What students need to know in a world where most computations are done by machine is discussed. Needed changes in the mathematics curriculum are then detailed in relation to mental arithmetic, numeration, decimals and fractions, paper-and-pencil computation, order of operations, problem solving, and instruction on calculator use. (MNS)

The need to include proficiency with estimation and mental arithmetic as goals for the study of computation is presented. Approaches and guidelines are described for developing these skills.

The author suggests that the efficient use of mathematics in everyday life means translating situations into mathematical contexts, using a calculator and mental methods of calculation. Suggestions for teaching these concepts are included. (PK)

Presented are activities which give practice in making estimates, gathering data, and checking the reasonableness of results. (TG)

Proposes a framework that identifies the components of number sense and the attributes of students who possess it. Discusses various aspects of three areas where number sense plays a key role: number concepts, operations with numbers, and applications of number and operation. (MDH)

Traditional methods of teaching addition include algorithms that involve right-to-left procedures. This article describes efficient procedures for left-to-right addition and subtraction involving computation and computational estimation that reflect children's natural behaviors observed during activities with unifix cubes. (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…

This basic math skills teaching and learning guide contains practical advice and resources for British vocational teachers who have little formal mathematics education training and for beginning teachers. The document has five sections on these topics dealing with numeracy instruction: (1) overview of the basic skill and its application to other…