Poster #1 - Arithmetic Sense Predicts Mathematical Achievement in College Students

• In Event: 61.072 - MTCC Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: 61.072-1 - Poster Session in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Prior studies have identified predictors of mathematical achievement in young children. Most prominent among these are number sense and arithmetic fluency. However, researchers have thus far failed to identify predictors of mathematical achievement in adolescents and young adults. The current study evaluated the predictive power of arithmetic sense—adaptive strategy use when solving novel, complex problems—in this regard. College students completed three tasks—number comparison (e.g., 8 vs. 9), arithmetic fact verification (e.g., 9 × 6 = 54), and arithmetic sentence verification (e.g., 18 × 9 ÷ 3 = 54; associativity principle). The central finding was that arithmetic sense uniquely predicts ACT math scores above and beyond general academic achievement, number sense, and arithmetic fluency.

Authors

• Soo-hyun Im, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Sashank Varma, University of Minnesota