Purchase Solution

Teaching Operations of Fractions To Elementary Students

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Elementary school teachers are challenged with a logical presentation of operations on fractions to elementary school age students. Some strategies teach factor based short cuts first and then lead into general cases. Some start with the general cases first. I propose that the general techniques should be taught first with an emphasis on the proper pattern of the solution. The technique outlined in this solution has been successfully applied in a tutoring environment with many students who were struggling with operations on fractions.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Elementary school teachers are challenged with a method of teaching the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions. Decisions of whether to start with short cut methods and expand to all-case methods or begin with all-case and then proceed to short cut methods are typical of teachers approaching this subject. Another decision that needs to be made concerns the teaching of reduction of fractions to simplest form. Where and when should this topic be taught.

This solution outlines a classic method of starting with all-case methods of teaching the four operations on fractions, with additional opinions on how to proceed with the additional topics. The method shown in this solution has resulted in great success in tutoring many students who were struggling to learn their operations on fractions.

Solution Preview

I would first explain that problems related to solving fractions have four levels of difficulty/understanding.

The first level is to understand an "all case" approach that works with any fraction.

The second level requires recognition of fractions that can use a short cut method which requires that the student applies the concept of factors.

The third level requires reducing the final answer to simplest form, which also requires the application of factors.

The fourth level involves solving problems of mixed numbers.

Then, I would return to level one and give the following explanation:

For addition, use the pattern:
a/b + c/d = a*d/b*d + b*c/b*d. I would show the pattern with arrows pointing to the numbers in the first expression and how those ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Kindergarten Readiness

Each child develops individually. Understanding typical expectations for Kindergarten will assist educators in identifying possible delays.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is an integral component of success in all fields. This quiz briefly introduces some of the key aspects involved with effective communication.

Early Childhood Development

Children develop at a range of paces. However, there are some generally accepted early childhood development milestones. This quiz focuses on skills associated with birth to 9 months. Understanding typical childhood development is integral knowledge for educators, healthcare professionals, and many other careers.

The PLAY Project: Autism Intervention Model

Parents, therapists, caregivers, providers, and special education teachers who are exploring early intervention models should take this quiz about the PLAY Project. This quiz will provide a very brief introduction.

Trauma Introduction

Providing trauma-informed practice is an integral component to providing services to children and families. Understanding the effects of crisis will be beneficial for all fields, including education.