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…

Because little is presently known about changes in children's knowledge of the logical principles of arithmetic and, more specifically, about how children's developing knowledge is reflected in the use of solution procedures, two types of three-term arithmetic problems were presented for solution to 6-, 7-, 9-, 11-, and 20-year-olds. Problems were…

A BOOKLET DESIGNED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE USED INDEPENDENTLY FROM AND IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR CLASSROOM CURRICULUM IN MATHEMATICS IS PRESENTED. THE FIFTH- OR SIXTH-GRADE STUDENT IS GIVEN PRACTICE IN WORKING PROBLEMS IN SUBTRACTION AND DIVISION. SHORT CUTS AND HINTS ARE PRESENTED THROUGH EXAMPLES, SAMPLE PROBLEMS, AND ANSWERS. THE…

Two simple quantitative models were derived from a series of experiments which explored the role of information storage in working memory when performing mental arithmetic. The decay model is a tractable analysis of a complex task which assumes a decay process in working storage. Similar analyses are recommended for problem solving activities…

This case study examined the performance of a 13-year-old highly skilled mental calculator on mental multiplication tasks. She solved difficult tasks by using various ingenious calculation methods, including distributing, factoring, and recalling the product directly. Implications for instruction are reported. (Author/RH)

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)

The history of mental computation in the elementary school curriculum is briefly described, followed by discussion of the benefits of mental computation. How thinking skills are enhanced is then illustrated. (MNS)

Studied for three years were eight Swedish classes with pupils aged 10-12 using calculators whenever they could be of use, along with experimental textbooks. The experimental classes were as competent as control classes in mental arithmetic and calculations with simple algorithms, and had better understanding of numbers and problem solving. (MNS)

Included in this section are brief articles outlining an approach to teaching mental computation, an inductive approach to algebra, and using football to teach probability. (MNS)

The article describes the Mental Mathematics System, a number of formulas designed to develop mathematical skills in elementary and junior high school gifted and talented students. Formulas are provided for multiplication. The formulas for mental mathematics are noted to promote student interest in the subject. (SBH)

Focuses on mental strategies for computing in the middle grades. Describes what they are and why they are important. Refers to relevant research and presents some teaching ideas for developing these strategies beyond the primary grades. Includes a discussion of the role of mental calculation in everyday life both past and future. Contains 27…

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…