Mental arithmetic strategies were studied with 91 Dutch third graders who computed by splitting off 10s and units in both numbers or counting by 10s up or down from the first unsplit number. Results reveal flexibility in changing between and within strategy use. Implications for instruction are discussed. (SLD)

The hypothesis that a task that increases in complexity (increasing its correlation with a central measure of intelligence) does so by increasing its dimensionality by tapping individual differences or another variable was supported by findings from 46 adults aged 20-70 years performing a mental counting task. (SLD)

Examines the use of mental, written, and calculator strategies of numerical computation by 56 upper primary students. Finds that students introduced to a "calculator-aware" curriculum make greater use of mental computation, particularly multiplication strategies based on distribution and compensation. Notes implications for models of…

Speeded performance on simple mental addition problems of 6- and 7-year-olds with and without mild mental retardation was modeled from a person perspective and an item perspective, both inferred from Siegler's work. Models from item response theory were used to test hypotheses. Found that all children follow same developmental path in acquiring…

Computation activities focusing on speed and accuracy do not provide children with the opportunity to learn or develop their own mental computation strategies. Sets out some goals and ideas for teaching mental computation and introduces a card game for helping children compute mentally. (ASK)

To test the theory of mental calibration for mental addition it was hypothesized that the mean reaction time for problems in homogeneous sets will be faster than for problems in heterogeneous sets and that the reaction time was inversely related to ability and development (grade level) and independent of gender. Three sets of 40 addition problems…

Games for use in practicing rounding numbers and mental computation using tens and hundreds are described. The importance of estimation to computation is discussed. (SD)

Four methods of solutions and 12 calculative strategies were found from introspective reports of 15 skilled and 15 unskilled students in grades 11 and 12 doing mental multiplication. Unskilled students used strategies more suited to written than mental computation, while skilled students used strategies based on number properties. (MNS)

How children perceive doubling and halving numbers is discussed, with many examples. The use of calculators is integrated. The tendency to avoid division if other ways of solving a problem can be found was noted. (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)

Students who can compute mathematical problems in their heads have learned a skill that is important for estimating and for understanding the number system. Practice activities that can help students master mental computation skills are described. (PP)

A range of estimation techniques are described, and a series of mental computation procedures based on concepts of measurement and real numbers are presented in detail. (MP)

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:…

Using R. S. Siegler's retrieval-required task, 19 male and 22 female third graders were examined before they had been introduced to multiplication in school. Examination of error patterns suggests that the basic assumptions of the distribution-of-associations model need to be tested directly and that the retrieval-required task confounds retrieved…

Presents a modified version of the Wheel of Fortune game for mathematics classrooms that engages students in solving equations by using formal and informal methods. Encourages mental computation and estimation. (ASK)