Building Math Fluency

Annotated Bibliography
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1 Berrett, A. N., & Carter, N. J. (2018). Imagine math facts improves multiplication fact fluency in third-grade students. Journal of Behavioral Education, 27(2), 223-239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-017-9288-1
Summary
Berret & Carter (2018) conducted a study to determine how effectively Timez Attack improves multiplication fact fluency in third-grade students. Researchers randomly divided 63 students into three study groups and assessed their multiplication fact fluency over 12 weeks. The results suggest that Timez Attack could be a valuable computer-assisted instructional tool for enhancing multiplication skills in elementary students, as all three groups demonstrated significant improvements from their baseline performance, and these gains were sustained during a follow-up maintenance phase.
Author Information
The authors of this journal article are affiliated with Imagine Learning, an online learning system for K-12 students.
Relevance
This article is significant in building math fluency because the Timez Attack effectively improved multiplication fact fluency in third-grade students during a 12-week study. Its ability to produce lasting gains in math skills makes it a valuable tool for building math fluency in elementary education.
2 Brezovszky, B., McMullen, J., Veermans, K., Hannula-Sormunen, M. M., Rodríguez-Aflecht, G., Pongsakdi, N., ... & Lehtinen, E. (2019). Effects of a mathematics game-based learning environment on primary school students' adaptive number knowledge. Computers & Education, 128, 63-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.09.011
Summary
This study explored the challenge of developing adaptive expertise in arithmetic problem-solving within primary school mathematics education. To address this complex goal, the research investigated the effects of a game-based learning environment called the Number Navigation Game (NNG) on over 1,000 students in grades four to six. The findings revealed that using NNG as part of math instruction led to improved adaptive number knowledge and math fluency, particularly in fifth grade, offering a practical tool for enhancing arithmetic skills in primary education (Brezovszky et al., 2019).
Author Information
The authors are members of the Centre for Research on Learning and Instruction, the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Teacher Education, and the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Turku, Finland, respectively.
Relevance
This study's significance in building math fluency lies in its investigation of the Number Navigation Game (NNG), a game-based learning tool, and its effect on primary school students' arithmetic skills.
The main finding indicates that incorporating NNG into math instruction can enhance adaptive number knowledge and math fluency, with more pronounced improvements in fifth grade, offering a practical means to boost mathematical proficiency in primary education (Brezovszky et al., 2019).
3 Cui, J., Georgiou, G. K., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Shu, H., & Zhou, X. (2017). Examining the relationship between rapid automatized naming and arithmetic fluency in Chinese kindergarten children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 154, 146-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2016.10.008
Summary
This study delved into the perplexing relationship between Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) and arithmetic fluency in a cohort of 160 kindergarten children. The findings revealed that RAN, whether focused on numbers or non-numeric elements, exhibited a substantial connection with arithmetic fluency. This connection persisted even after factoring in other cognitive processing skills. These results challenge existing theories, suggesting that, much like reading fluency, the association between RAN and arithmetic fluency is intricate and involves multiple underlying processes (Cui et al., 2017).
Author Information
The authors of this article are well-versed in the study of psychology, neurobiology, education, and innovative learning. Most are based in China, while one is based in Canada.
Relevance
This data is pertinent for developing math fluency as it uncovers the intricate link between Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) and arithmetic proficiency, underlining the role of diverse cognitive processes in mathematical skills.
The core point is that RAN, whether numeric or non-numeric, is a robust predictor of arithmetic fluency, emphasizing the need to comprehend these underlying processes to enhance mathematical abilities (Cui et al., 2017).
4 Foster, C. (2018). Developing mathematical fluency: comparing exercises and rich tasks. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 97(2), 121-141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-017-9788-x
Summary
The paper investigates the need for students to master mathematical procedures and challenges the conventional use of repetitive exercises. It reports on three quasi-experimental studies in 11 secondary schools involving 528 students aged 12-15. The findings suggest that "mathematical etudes," which encourage creative problem-solving, are as effective as traditional exercises in fostering procedural fluency (Foster, 2018).
Author Information
The author of this article is a researcher at the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education, School of Education at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. The author is also a professional in Mathematics.
Relevance
This information underscores the importance of achieving mathematical fluency in students' development and questions whether traditional repetitive exercises are the only effective method. The pertinent details reveal that "mathematical etudes," which promote creative problem-solving, offer an equally effective alternative for developing procedural fluency, potentially making the learning process more engaging and enriching (Foster, 2018).
5 Fraga-Varela, F., Vila-Couñago, E., & Martínez-Piñeiro, E. (2021). The impact of serious games in mathematics fluency: A study in Primary Education. Comunicar, 29(69), 125-135.
Summary
The researchers investigated 284 students spanning the first to fourth grades to assess the impact of incorporating serious games with gamification elements into math education. The results showed significant improvements in mathematics fluency in thes...