| dc.description.abstract | Background: Several studies have investigated the use of strategies in mathematics. This research has mainly focused on the use of strategies in solving addition and subtraction questions. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the use of strategies during multiplication questions. The difference between boys and girls in the use of advanced strategies, the use of retrieval, accuracy and speed is also investigated. Method: Children from two primary schools participated in six session in which they answered 10 multiplication questions. The strategy they used was observed and noted. Results: Results show that in four sessions boys used significantly more advanced strategies than girls. In the last two sessions this difference wasn’t found. There we no significant differences found for the use of retrieval, accuracy and speed. Results also showed that pupils made a significant improvement over time. Conclusions: The development in strategy use in the early primary school years seems to be the same for boys and girls. This could be due to the fact that they have just started to learn how to multiply. Differences between girls and boys may become apparent in later years. | |
