week 6

Question 1

Describe the role and importance of algorithms in K-6 mathematics.

Answer 1

An Algorithm is a precise step by step process or set of rules for solving problems of a particular type.
Algorithms are introduced after students have gained a firm understanding of basic concepts such as place value.

For addition and subtraction, formal written algorithms are introduced in stage 2 and for multiplication and division, formal written algorithms are introduced in stage 3.

Algorithms play a specific role in K-6 mathematics syllabus, the students already have a conceptual understanding of what they are actually solving, the use of an algorithm simply speeds up the process as students are simply following a rule as opposed to actually thinking about the problem at hand.

Question 2

Look at the sequence for developing algorithms, as described for each operation, in Booker et al (2014).

Identifying the common steps in addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, give
an example of each to explain each step of the sequence.

Answer 2

steps (addition)

The addition concept
Basic addition facts
Thinking in tens
Addition with renaming
Addition with no renaming
Examples of zeros
Addition of several numbers

Example
**
go over notes for everything else.

Question 3

Describe how you would model the problem and solution with base 10 materials for each of the
problems listed below.

Record the verbal, concrete and symbolic steps as you solve each of the problems.

Answer 3

notes