Ebony Manning
September 29, 2008
Learning Multiplication: The Easy Way
Learning Multiplication: The Easy Way is an article I chose because of the problem
I’m seeing with my 5th graders. The problem I’m seeing is multiplication, students not knowing
how to multiply simple problems. In this paper I will discuss the problem and the solution to
learning multiplication: the easy way.
Caron talks about what is said by students when they are asked the question, “Do you
know how to multiply?” Several answers he received were, “we don’t know how to multiply or
“we are going to fail if we try it.” Caron states that these students do not adjust well to any
possibilities of success ( Caron, 2007). Gagne emphasized that the process of computation that
underlie the problem must be “not just learned, not just mastered, but automatized” (Gagne s
1993). He stated, if you leave this problem unresolved the problem will lead to math anxiety with
serious negative consequences. Strategies to lead students to success includes attribution
retraining, which is to help students learn how to focus better, efficacy, training which is to
design students to set goods, and strategy training which includes self talk and problem solving
strategies (Arnes, 1987). Other researches have discussed the need to change the curriculum for
teachers to learn the framework and learning abilities for middle school students.
There has been several researchers who have come up with strategies and solutions to
help benefit and attend the needs of the students. Caron gave an example of a solution. He stated
that he would ask the students a challenging question: “How much do teachers earn?” then
follow the strategies that were presented in the previous paragraph. Memorizing the
multiplication tables will enhance strategies. Multiplication.com will gives one the direction to
better help students learn multiplication facts.
As a result, other examples and strategic approaches to teaching basic multiplication facts
are successful. The key is that every child learning habits are not the same and if we as teachers
follow the strategies to teach the students how to learn then at the end every child will be
proficient.
Caron, Thomas A. (2007). Learning Multiplication
The Easy Way. Clearing House, 80 (6), 278-282.