MATHEMATICS

MEMORIZATION
VERSUS

STRATEGIES
April Davis FRIT 7234

Rote memorization of arithmetic “facts”

isn’t as important as making sense
of math concepts and applying
them to the everyday world
MATH MATH
FACTS STRATEGIES

Memory
INSTANT NUMBER
RECALL SENSE

Timed tests are the Never emphasize

direct cause of the speed but encourage
early onset of math students to use, work
anxiety. with and explore
numbers.

Students who do not Students learning

excel in memorizing number facts and
facts are less number sense
successful, feel through engaging
inadequate and lose activities promote
confidence. confidence.

Students learn
1/3 of students
mental math and
experience extreme
develop conceptual
stress around timed
understanding of
tests
numbers.

Students who
memorize are Students who
1/2 year behind use number
students using sense strategies
strategies are high
achievers.

References:
Boaler, J., Williams, C., & Confer, A. (n.d.). Fluency Without Fear: Research Evidence on the Best Ways ...
Retrieved from https://www.youcubed.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fluency-Without-Fear-
1.28.15.pdf
Boaler, J., & Zoido, P. (2016). Why Math Education in the U.S. Doesn’t Add Up. Scientific American
Mind, 27(6), 18–19. https://doi-org.proxygsu-ecor.galileo.usg.edu/10.1038/scientificamericanmind1116-18
Willis, J. (2010). Learning to Love Math : Teaching Strategies That Change Student Attitudes and Get Results.
ASCD.