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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. When should students master their basic computation facts?
By the end of grade 2, students should know the basic addition and subtraction combinations. Students should be fluent in adding two-digit numbers and have methods for two-digit subtraction. By the end of grade 4, students should know the basic multiplication and division combinations. Whole number computational fluency is expected by the end of grade 5.
Q. How should students learn their basic single-digit facts?
As with any mathematical procedure, learning with understanding is more powerful than memorizing. It is important to incorporate strategies built on number sense and relationships to help students develop meanings of the four basic operations.
Q. Why not tell students how to solve the problem?
One of the important aspects of mathematics is having the ability to problem solve. By not telling students how to solve a problem and having them determine their own approach:
- they understand why they are using a certain procedure.
- they are more likely to remember how to do it.
- if they forget it, they can recreate it for themselves.
- they recognize when as answer does not make sense.
Q. What can I do as a parent to help my child learn how to solve a problem?
There is no single way to solve a problem. This makes helping your child a challenge. To make children think and create meaning for themselves try posing questions such as “Would a table or diagram help?,” “What are you trying to find out?,” or “What could you do as a first step?”
Q. What is "Mathercise?"
On a regular basis, students in grades 3 – 8 will be asked to determine the answers to 20 basic facts in two minutes. The questions asked are based on basic number combinations that the students should be able to compute mentally. The "Mathercise" activities are meant to be one part of a well-balanced mathematics program by helping build computational fluency.
Q. What is computational fluency?
Computational fluency is having efficient, flexible and accurate methods for computing with numbers. To be considered fluent in computation, students must be able to compute mentally, with paper and pencil, and with a calculator. Not only must the student have the ability to compute with all three methods, but also know which method is best based on a given task.