Good Students beat the computer system: Strategies for self learning from computerized practice in arithmetic

Naturalistic methods of inquiry were used to investigate learning processes of above-average second, third, and fourth graders while practicing arithmetic with a computer. Because the software enabled the better students to accelerate through the practice material, they received practice in topics that had not yet been covered in class, and thus were attempting material which was new to them. It also happened that they encountered exercises that they had learned in class but had forgotten how to solve. This study reveals that when confronted by exercises they do not know how to solve, above average students use a variety of strategies that lead to their identification of solution algorithms, while not always understanding the underlying concepts. The article identifies the different problem solving strategies that students used, sorts them into categories, and illustrates them with examples from students' protocols. On the basis of the findings, suggestions are made for designing computer software for arithmetic practice that promotes student problem solving strategies along with mathematical understanding.