• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to propose instructional methods using base-ten blocks in teaching the multiplication of decimal for 5th grade students by analyzing the process of their conceptual comprehension of multiplication of decimal. The students in this study were found to understand various meanings of operations (e.g., repeated addition, bundling, and area) by modeling them with base-ten blocks. They were able to identify the algorithm through the use of base-ten blocks and to understand the principle of calculations by connecting the manipulative activities to each stage of algorithm. The students were also able to determine whether the results of multiplication of decimal might be reasonable using base-ten blocks. This study suggests that appropriate use of base-ten blocks promotes the conceptual understanding of the multiplication of decimal.

• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.233-251
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to propose instructional methods using base-ten blocks in teaching the division of decimal for 5th grade students by analyzing the process of their conceptual comprehension. The students in this study were found to understand the two main meanings of the division of decimal, distribution and area, by modeling them with base-ten blocks. They were able to identify the algorithm through the use of base-ten blocks and to understand the principle of calculations by connecting the manipulative activities to each stage of algorithm. The students were also able to determine using base-ten blocks whether the results of division of decimal might be reasonable. This study suggests that the appropriate use of base-ten blocks promotes the conceptual understanding of the division of decimal.

• The Mathematical Education
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• v.45 no.3 s.114
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• pp.275-293
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze the connection between students' errors and prior knowledge as an attempt to design an efficient teaching method in decimal computation. A survey on decimal computations was conducted in two 6th grade elementary school classrooms. Error patterns on decimal computations were analyzed and clinical interviews were conducted with 8 students according to their error patterns. Main errors resulted from the insufficient understanding of prior knowledge such as place value, connection between decimals and fractions, meaning of operations, and computation principles of fractions. In order to help students overcome such obstacles, a teaching experiment was designed in a manner that strengthens a profound understanding of prior knowledge related to decimal computations, and connects such knowledge to actual decimal calculations. This study showed that well-designed lesson plans with base-ten blocks might decrease students' errors by helping them understand decimals and connect their prior knowledge to decimal operations.