Vol. 29 No. 1, Pages 121
135,
Summer 2001
135,
Summer 2001
Abstract
Research shows that parents and preschools in Hong Kong have used children's paper-and-pencil performance in additions and substractions as an important indicator of their development. But how good are children's real abilities in these addition and subtraction computations? In this study, 117 pre-primary school children were tested with paper-and-pencil tests. Further detailed analyses on some of these children's performance were conducted. Results showed that most children relied on finger counting in their computations. Their major error types included: undifferentiation of addition from subtraction, inability to use the appropriate calculation rules, misunderstanding of multiple-digit numbers and place value, misunderstanding of denary system, counting errors, etc. The reliance on finger counting is parallel to the development of similar age children in other countries. The error types show that Hong Kong children are remaining at a competence level of addition and subtraction between two single-digit numbers. Actually they do not understand the basic principles in the computations involving multiple-digit numbers. Teachers and parents in Hong Kong have usually overestimated children's computational ability.
[ Chinese version | Index | Education Journal | Other Journals | Subscription form | Enquiry ]
Mail any comments and suggestions to
hkier-journal@cuhk.edu.hk.