Mental+Math+&+Estimation

MENTAL MATHEMATICS AND ESTIMATION [ME]
Mental mathematics is a combination of cognitive strategies that enhance flexible thinking and number sense. It involves using strategies to perform mental calculations. Mental mathematics enables students to determine answers without paper and pencil. It improves computational fluency by developing efficiency, accuracy and flexibility in reasoning and calculating. “Even more important than performing computational procedures or using calculators is the greater facility that students need—more than ever before—with estimation and mental math” (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, May 2005). Students proficient with mental mathematics “become liberated from calculator dependence, build confidence in doing mathematics, become more flexible thinkers and are more able to use multiple approaches to problem solving” (Rubenstein, 2001, p. 442). Mental mathematics “provides a cornerstone for all estimation processes, offering a variety of alternative algorithms and nonstandard techniques for finding answers” (Hope, 1988, p. v). Estimation is used for determining approximate values or quantities, usually by referring to benchmarks or referents, or for determining the reasonableness of calculated values. Estimation is also used to make mathematical judgements and to develop useful, efficient strategies for dealing with situations in daily life. When estimating, students need to learn which strategy to use and how to use it.

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