Improve Whole Number Computation

While using Math Skill Builders, learners learn to compute with whole numbers as they:

When learning addition and subtraction, learners usually memorize the simplest combination of single digits. When learning multiplication, students usually memorize the multiples of the whole numbers 0-9. When learning division, you can solve many simple division problems by knowing multiplication facts. These are some of the number facts. In Tutor, use levels 1 and 2 in any operation to see demonstrations of these facts. Use Practice and Assignment to practice solving problems using these facts. The learner will master these basic facts by continuing to use the program and progressing through the higher levels in the operations.

Use all the activities of Math Skill Builders to learn to solve problems using all arithmetic operations with whole numbers.

In Diagnosis, the program tests learners to determine the best starting level for learning each operation.

In Tutor, learners see demonstrations of how to solve problems. They learn how to solve problems by watching the program demonstrate, and explain, step by step solutions. Learners can then use the same process when they solve problems in Practice and Assignment.

In Practice, learners learn to solve problems, at their current skill level, on the screen. They receive immediate feedback about how they should solve the problem.

In Assignment, learners learn to solve problems away from the computer. They use Check Assignment to compare their solutions with the solution the program shows.

In Tutor, the learner should watch demonstrations to hear and see each step in the sequence of solving a problem.

In Practice, learners can practice solving problems showing all the steps in the solution. Choose the option to Show Work in Solution in Preferences, so that the learner must put in all the steps in a solution in the proper sequence. When the learner is just learning the steps, choose the Guide Student's Solution option, so that the program prompts for each step. To give the learner practice completing the sequence independently, deselect Guide Student's Solution.

In Tutor, the learner can hear and see how to describe solving problems. When the learner is ready to explain how to solve a problem, use Single Step in Tutor to step through the demonstration. The learner should explain each step before clicking the Single Step button. Compare the learner's explanation with what the demonstration explains. The explanations should be similar if the learner understands the steps in the process. Return to Tutor anytime the learner does not seem to be able to explain how to solve a particular kind of problem.

In Practice, the learner can explain how to solve a problem. Make sure the option to Show Work in Solution is on, so that the learner must complete each step. The learner should be able to tell what the next step should be, and why, before typing each number.

In Practice, progress from guided to non-guided problem solving. (Refer to Guide Student's Solution.) Select to have the program guide the solution when the learner is just starting to learn a new skill. The learner can explain what the next step is and what number to enter. The program will guide and prompt for the placement of the number in the correct position in the problem. When the learner is successful answering and explaining how to answer problems guided by the program, move to non-guided problem solving. When the problem solving is non-guided, the learner can practice placing and explaining where to place the numbers correctly, independently, without the program's assistance.

In Assignment, the learner should solve each problem showing all the steps in the problem. The learner can explain each step while solving each problem with paper and pencil. In Check Assignment, the learner can compare each step of the problem with the steps shown on the screen when checking each problem. Compare each step. Discuss any differences in the steps and why there is an error.

The learner may enter the wrong numbers in the steps of the problem and still get the answer correct. The program will credit the correct answer. Check each number in every step to make sure the learner did not make errors.

By listening to the learner explain how to solve problem, you can tell if the learner has trouble with the number facts, or with the procedure used to solve the problems. If there was trouble with number facts, go back to some of the lower levels of the operation that presented trouble and review. If there was trouble with the process, go to Tutor and step through the solution.