Build on success!

Memorizing the facts associated with a particular number starts with introducing those facts in order. It should be pointed out to the student that this means when one problem is answered it also leads to answering the next problem. A student beginning to learn addition facts, for example, should already know how to count from 1 through numbers as high as 100 or higher. So, as they begin to learn the addition facts associated with 1, it should be pointed out that 1 + 1 equals the next counting number: 2 ... 1, 2. Likewise 2 + 1... 1, 2, 3 and so on. This can also be reinforced with counting physical objects. "1, 2, 3, 4. We have 4 pennies. Let's add one more. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 4 + 1 = 5"

Similarly with multiplication, counting by two's is repeated addition. Most students can count by 2's at an early age. When it is pointed out to them that it cues them in to what the next answer will be they can soon answer correctly: five times two is ten, and six times two will be two more than five times two or twelve, 8, 10, 12.

Student only sees correct answer...

Students can not enter a wrong answer. This means even if they make an incorrect guess they never see that displayed. Instead the correct answer is revealed and the student can proceed to enter the correct answer, thus only correct math facts are reinforced.

Automatic advancement allows each student to work at their own pace.

Within each of the operations a student can start at any digit 0 - 9. When a student record is first created the App defaults to Addition, 0, In-Order, Vertical. If in a particular session the student achieves 100% on three tries they are automatically advanced to the next level. If for example they started with the default then the next set of drills would be Addition, 0, Random, Vertical. When 100% is achieved on three tries it would move to the next selected number, in this case 1 - Addition, 1, In-Order, Vertical.

When the selected number is 3 or greater, instead of going to the next higher selected number the type of drill is Review Random. This drill is 30 problems 10 for the current selected number and 10 each for the selected number minus 1 and minus 2, all presented randomly. When the student answers better than 90% correctly on any one try they are advanced to the next higher selected number and the type of drill reverts to In-Order.

Add and Subtract as well as Multiply and Divide are special cases. Problems are presented in order. Students advance to the next selected number when they achieve better than 90% on one drill.

Continual review is built in

The key to gaining fluency with math facts is repetition. This includes small drills performed often, but also reviewing numbers already "mastered". As the student progresses past 3 the current number and two previous numbers are reviewed. Also, there are drills Review All: In-Order and Review All: Random that may be selected from time to time to facilitate review.

One strategy is to create "students" named Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide with the Operation matching the respective Student name and the type of drill - Review All: Random. That way a student can review previous operations without changing their own record of current work.

Special variations to add interest.

Pairs and Squares are helpful for some students and can be used as a diversion from the routine of drilling.

Add and subtract and Multiply and Divide help to link each operation with its inverse.

Presentation Orientation can be varied to make sure students are familiar with the different ways they might encounter problems and to facilitate students who may have a preference based on their special needs.