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Error Patterns In Mental Computation In Years 3 – 9

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Error Patterns In Mental Computation In Years 3 – 9

Author: Jack Bana, Brian Farrell & Alistair Mclntosh

Publication Year: 1995

Abstract

The importance of mental computation compared to written computation has been well established (McIntosh, 1990; Hope, 1986; Reys and Reys, 1986). However, investigations of children's error patterns have tended to focus more on the written algorithms. With greater emphasis being placed on mental computation in contemporary curricula it is essential that teachers be well aware of the common error patterns since these can reveal underlying misconceptions. An extensive survey of children's mental computation skills in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 was undertaken in the Perth Metropolitan area as part of an international study involving Australia, Japan and the USA (McIntosh, Bana & Farrell, 1995; Reys & Reys, 1993). This paper deals with perceived error patterns arising from the Perth study.

Type: Research Paper

Jack Bana, Brian Farrell, & Alistair Mclntosh
Error Patterns In Mental Computation In Years 3 – 9

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