[NIFL-FOBASICS:1181] Re: Math web sites and Intuitive Multiplication Tables Program

From: Nixon S. Griffis (ngriffis@bellsouth.net)
Date: Fri Nov 19 2004 - 22:12:50 EST


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From: "Nixon S. Griffis" <ngriffis@bellsouth.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1181] Re: Math web sites and Intuitive Multiplication Tables Program
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Hi List,

	While we are on basic math...I would be very interested in finding or
developing an intuitive and interactive math tables teaching program. Times
tables should be one of the first screens run on Adult Ed. GED students. Now
and then I have students who do not know their times tables. Like long
division, this is something they just need to know without a calculator.
This knowledge is necessary for multiplication and for finding common
denominators when students reach fractions.
	Most of these students need me to drill them until I can be secure enough
to check them off my "Student Needs" sheet. A student directed computer
program seems a good solution here. I imagine a program that acts like an
assessment at first to see which parts of the multiplication tables are
missing from the students memory. The ideal program would start from there
and in an incremental process bring each individual student up through their
tables. The program would return to missed products and periodically
reintroduce mastered answers in a way that would best reinforce
memorization. I have found in drilling my students that there seems to be an
ideal pattern of asking students their multiplication tables. It has to do
with reinforcing their correct answers and reintroducing missed answers
until they start getting them right. This must be done gradiently so as to
best allow the student to feel they are winning and so as not to overwhelm
them.
	Has anyone seen anything like this already out there? Has anyone seen any
research on how to best setup the repetitive pattern of questions in this
type of drill scenario to optimize memorization of something like
multiplication tables?

Nick Griffis
Adult Education
Inlet Grove H.S.
Riviera Beach,
Florida 33480
561-882-9967



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