Strategies for Whole-Number Computations

1. Strategies for Whole-Number Computations Chapter 13 Presentation by Amie Dudka & Ryan Hughes March 16th, 2010

2. “The development over time of an assortment of flexible skills, including the ability to compute mentally, that will best serve students in the real world”p.225 • No longer an emphasises on standardized methods • Not Black and White • Adaptable • Focus on real world application • Developing Mental Math

3. “Traditional Algorithms tend to make us think in terms of digits.....” • Flexible methods of computation • “Invented” Strategies” • Require good understanding of operations & properties • Traditional Algorithms?

4. Computational Fluency • Alternative strategies for computing are easier and faster • Often can be done mentally • Emphasize overall number sense • More beneficial to every day uses

5. The Three Types of Computational Strategies • Direct Modelling • Invented Strategies (personal/flexible strategies) • Traditional Algorithms

6. Benefits of Invented Strategies • Fewer errors • Less re-teaching • Development of number sense • Basis for mental computation & estimation • Faster than traditional methods • Student is involved in process

7. Traditional Algorithms • Most parents/teachers are not willing to abandon these methods. • Considered “the right way” or “real way” • Students will not be as susceptible to other methods • Prevents a roadblock to "invented strategies” Traditional Algorithms are inevitable!

8. Development of Student-Invented Strategies • Basis: Strong understanding of numbers • Story Problems • Community learning • Show process

9. Thank You!