Ideas are given on how to teach children to make estimates in measurement. (MNS)

After summing up the current status related to estimation and mental computation, what needs to be done to promote increased instruction on these topics is discussed. (MNS)

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)

Discusses mental computation and how and when it should be taught. Describes seven properties of mental algorithms. (YP)

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…

Mathematics curriculum documents highlight the need for students to be able to choose from a repertoire of computational tools and strategies, but little direction is given as to how children choose which form of computation to use in any given situation. In this article, the author reports on the classroom implications of research designed to…

This article reports on the English National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) and, in particular, on the way in which children aged from 8- to 11-years-old view "interactive whole class teaching". A qualitative, grounded study of both teachers' and children's perceptions of interactive teaching was undertaken, making use of "video stimulated…

This study focuses on the mental processes used during estimation. This research: (1) developed an operational definition of estimation; (2) created an instrument to identify exceptionally good estimators; (3) collected performance level data on 1187 subjects; (4) constructed interview problems and developed protocols to identify the thinking…

Data were generally consistent with the view that preschoolers and elementary schoolers can respond to memory probes by applying arithmetical processing to running gist from recently solved problems. Discussed are two competing interpretations of the development of working memory: fuzzy-trace theory and the generic-resources hypothesis. (Author/RH)

Activities on estimation and mental computation are presented. Patterns on a hundred chart, an amazing fact, teaching and testing tips, and other references are included. (MNS)

Use of compatible numbers resulting in easy mental computations is described, along with related teaching and testing tips. (MNS)

This article calls attention to testing as an integral part of teaching mental computation. It begins with an overview of students' performance and is followed by some specific suggestions for testing mental computation skills in the classroom. (Author)

This paper describes how one group of students developed personally meaningful ways to reason mathematically within the context of measurement. Episodes taken from a first grade classroom in which a 4-month teaching experiment was conducted are presented. One of the goals of the teaching experiment was to develop instructional sequences designed…

Literature at national and international levels argues the importance of including mental computation in a mathematics curriculum that promotes number sense. However, mental computation does not feature in importance in the current Queensland mathematics syllabus documents. Hopefully, with the writing of a new mathematics syllabus, mental…

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)