Strategies for Teaching Whole Number Computation
Using Error Analysis for Intervention and Assessment
- David B. Spangler - ActiveMath
"This book is a must-have for anyone working to remediate students struggling with math. It gets into the types of misconceptions students have and gives multiple ways to correct them."
—Donna Adkins, First-Grade Teacher
Perritt Primary School, Arkadelphia, AR
"The nuts-and-bolts approach to assessment and error analysis make this book a real tool for everyday use."
—Judith A. Filkins, K–8 Math Curriculum Coordinator
Lebanon School District, NH
A proven approach to mathematics teaching that adds up to student success!
When students make computational errors in mathematics, often the prescribed solution is more drilling. However, by combining error analysis with timely and specific intervention based on conceptual understanding, teachers can get to the cause of students' errors, uncover underlying misconceptions, and help students understand and correct their mistakes. The targeted interventions for each error pattern promote teaching for conceptual understanding and are supported by documented academic research.
David B. Spangler, a school math consultant with more than 35 years of experience, provides a model that focuses on student error patterns in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This book offers targeted instructional strategies based on the five NCTM process standards and includes four units, each containing:
- A diagnostic test in a multiple-choice format
- An item analysis table that correlates incorrect test responses with student error patterns
- A detailed section of supporting intervention activities to address specific types of errors
- Practice exercises for students, with answer keys
- Reflection questions for teachers to use in a professional development setting, workshop, or methods course
With supporting research, a section on "big ideas" in computation and problem solving, and student reproducibles for games and activities, Strategies for Teaching Whole Number Computation promotes a proactive and scaffolded approach to teaching mathematics in a meaningful way.
“I can see this book becoming a very important and seminal piece in mathematics instruction and teaching practice. It allows the instructor to take a proactive and scaffolded approach for teaching students experiencing difficulties in mathematics, and it builds upon the mathematical knowledge of the teacher."
“This book is a must-have for anyone working to remediate students struggling with math. It gets into the types of mistakes/misconceptions students have and gives multiple ways to correct them. It is also a great resource for teachers who need a stronger math background."
"Highly recommended for all K-8 teachers to help all students learn math and be successful! Spangler captures the essence of teaching mathematics to all children through the Response to Intervention focus. This is a very practical and useful math resource for all teachers, including general education teachers as well as special educators."
“The nuts-and-bolts approach to assessment and error analysis make this a real tool for everyday use in real classrooms."
“The comprehensive examples and explanations are exemplary. The book contains a goldmine of information, strategies, and interventions. Most teachers do not have error analysis on their radar—they should, as it is critical for informing instruction and facilitating student learning.”
"A wonderful addition to any professional library. All too often when a student makes a computational error, the prescribed remediation is further drilling. Based on recognized cognitive research, this book provides a model that helps the teacher analyze student work for error patterns and then provide timely, targeted, and meaningful intervention. This book provides well-organized, comprehensive strategies to meet the learning needs of all students."
"This well-designed handbook is for educators whose students struggle with arithmetic operations. It offers valuable assistance to tutors, special educators, and classroom teachers."