Teaching Mental Computation Strategies in Early Mathematics

Autor/in	Heirdsfield, Ann Margaret
Titel	Teaching Mental Computation Strategies in Early Mathematics
Quelle	In: Young Children, 66 (2011) 2, S.96-102 (7 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1538-6619
Schlagwörter	Mental Computation; Foreign Countries; Mathematics Skills; Thinking Skills; Teaching Methods; Learning Strategies; Elementary School Mathematics; Mathematical Logic; Mathematical Concepts; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Kopfrechnen; Ausland; Mathmatics achievement; Mathematics ability; Mathematische Kompetenz; Denkfähigkeit; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Learning methode; Learning techniques; Lernmethode; Lernstrategie; Elementare Mathematik; Schulmathematik; Mathematical logics; Mathematische Logik; Australien
Abstract	Mental computation--that is, calculating in the head--is a relatively new topic in mathematics curricula for primary-age children. It is an important skill because it enables children to learn more deeply how numbers work, make decisions about procedures, and create strategies for calculating, thus promoting number sense--a well-developed understanding of number. When teaching mental computation, the emphasis should be on children developing their own strategies by exploring, discussing, and justifying their thinking and solutions. For some teachers, this requires a shift in beliefs and attitudes about what and how to teach mathematics in primary grades. Teachers need support to make these shifts. With this in mind, the author worked with Pam and Sue, two primary grade teachers, to help them improve their practice and introduce this new topic--mental computation--in their classrooms. Pam and Sue taught 6-, 7-, and 8-year-olds at a Brisbane (Australia) elementary school. This article describes how these teachers engaged children in developing strategic thinking skills in math, applying research to their classroom practice in order to do so. (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Association for the Education of Young Children. 1313 L Street NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 22205-4101. Tel: 800-424-2460; Tel: 202-232-8777; Fax: 202-328-2649; e-mail: editorial@naeyc.org; Web site: http://journal.naeyc.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10