Logopedics, Vol. 7 No. 1, 2017.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31299/log.7.1.3
Mastering basic mathematical operations in elementary school students
Mirjana Lenček
orcid.org/0000-0002-3658-949X
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet, Odsjek za logopediju
Iva Sladović
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet, studentica
Abstract
145 elementary school students from third to eighth grade with no difficulties in mathematics have been tested for their abilities in basic arithmetic operations. The aim of the examination was to gain insight into the level of mastery in mathematics in each of the grades.The observed variable in this experiment is the success in solving arithmetic problems in addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing, as well as in applying the rules of mathematical operations depending on ascending educational age. The observed results showed that the group of third graders statistically significantly differs from all other educational levels, so it can be concluded that the strategies of problem solving in basic mathematical operations shift exactly in the third grade, which is consistent with other similar studies. It seems that counting based strategies give way to data retrieval strategies. As no statistically significant differences in problem solving of basic arithmetical operations from fourth to eighth grade were observed, it can be concluded that the levels of basic mathematical competences are levelled out in terms of accuracy. As the research has been performed on a relatively small sample in each grade, it is not possible to generalise the results. However, they can provide guidelines for shaping the examination material for recognising difficulties in mathematics, as well as for determining the direction of intervention in those difficulties or in dyscalculia.
Keywords
mathematics; addition; subtraction; multiplication; division; order of mathematical operations; elementary school
Hrčak ID:
184394
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2017.
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