Number Facts Mastery Program. Apple II series; disk and drill sheets for addition,subtraction, multiplication, and division by Hyrum S. Henderson; Norman F. Erken; KennethBlincoeReview by: Mary FriesThe Arithmetic Teacher, Vol. 37, No. 7 (MARCH 1990), p. 55Published by: National Council of Teachers of MathematicsStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41193862 .

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Four weights are shown on a scale. The student is shown a target weight and must arrange the proper weights on one of the two other scales to total that target weight. Although the task sounds easy, the weights must be moved one at a time and a heavier weight cannot rest on a lighter weight; so this problem becomes similar to the tower of Hanoi. Points are awarded on the basis of getting the correct solution in the fewest possible moves. At the highest level the weights are given values in fractional, decimal, and percentage forms, offering good practice in equivalences, as well as in order relationships.

In the third activity, "Decipher the Code," the goal is to discover a mathematical expres- sion. The student is given a row of blank boxes and fills them with digits, operations, and an equals sign. The computer examines this expression, produces a new row of boxes above the first one, and gives some clues based on the first guess. The student is given fifteen chances to come up with the correct expression. I found this to be the most challenging activity on the disk. It involves good logic and quite a bit of mental arithmetic. It also involves the use of different ways to express numbers.

In the final activity, "Search for Clues," the student looks for a mystery number and can obtain clues about its identity by observing ob- jects found in a room that is reminiscent of Dracula' s castle. When the student selects an object, a clue is presented and the student must try to guess the number. If the guess is logical, play proceeds; if the guess is illogical, the com- puter points to clues that contradict the guess.

The manual that accompanies the program is quite complete and helpful. It documents the programs, customizing options, data-disk pro- cedures, and printer setups quite well.

Strengths The programs seem to be quite well done tech- nically. That technical quality, along with good mathematical objectives, makes this a product that should enhance a school's software library.

Weaknesses One feature that I found troublesome is the need for disk handling. The two disks are both two-sided. Side 1 boots the operating system and presents a message to insert side 2. Side 2 seems to include activities 1,2, and 3. When I tried activity 4, 1 was instructed to insert side 3. I am not sure what is on side 4, but sure would like to see this disk-swapping simplified - espe- cially in a laboratory setting.

Summary Math Blaster Mystery is a four-part program that should be interesting and challenging to students in grades 5-9 as they develop their problem-solving and logical-reasoning abilities. - Vincent F. O'Connor.

Number Facts Mastery Program, Ну rum S. Henderson, Norman F. Erken, and Kenneth Blincoe. 1988, Apple II series; 5'// disk and drill sheets for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, $299.95. Also

available in Print Version (without software). Edmark Corp., 14350 N.E. 21st St., P.O. Box 3903, Bellevue, WA 98009-3903.

To quote the authors of Number Facts Mastery Program, this program is a "no-nonsense ap- proach to teaching basic number facts . . . [which] integrates the strengths of traditional drill and practice (paper and pencil activities) with the feedback and recordkeeping functions of computer assisted programming." This pro- gram introduces the memorization of number facts in the first grade. It is designed to promote the mastery of number facts at all elementary school levels. It can be used as a remedial learn- ing aid at any grade level.

Number Facts Mastery Program is definitely "a no-nonsense approach." It furnishes the stu- dent with a system for the memorization of number facts in a very businesslike organiza- tion of the traditional timed writings or "speed sheet." Whether working on the computer or involved with the "pencil and paper activities," the student is presented with the same layout of several rows of incomplete number facts that demand completion, usually within a time limit.

Number Facts Mastery Program plans for three modes of instruction:

1. A Print Version, which includes sheets for oral drill, written drill, and record keeping

2. A Software Version, which uses the com- puter for both drill and record keeping

3. A combination of both the Print Version and Software Version

The total package consists of five ring-binder notebooks that furnish storage for the teacher's manual, the master copies of the student drill sheets and record-keeping charts, three com- puter disks, one cassette tape for minute tim- ings, and a stop watch.

The teacher's manual discusses the scope, sequence, and rationale of the program and explains the criteria for mastery. It also gives information on instructional and assessment procedures, classroom management, and indi- vidualized student management. It contains the necessary information to set up and use the computer program.

In the Print Version one notebook is included for each operation: addition, subtraction, mul- tiplication, and division. Each operation is di- vided into eighteen sequentially planned les- sons (subtraction has nineteen). The lessons progress from the more easily mastered facts to the more difficult.

Within each lesson are oral timed drills and written timed drills. In the Print Version, the oral timed drills are the basic instructional and practice materials. The student must demon- strate mastery of the oral drills and written drills before proceeding to the next lesson.

Three computer disks constitute the Software Version. The "Support Disk" allows for com- puter adjustment and changes in the record- keeping system. The "Progress Reports Disk" maintains the records of students' perfor- mances, and the "Program Disk" contains the instructional program. Each of these disks has functions that allow for efficient use of a printer.

On the "Program Disk" are the keyed timed drills. When using the computer version, the keyed timed drills present the basic instruction and practice. However, the oral and written drills must still be mastered.

The mastery criteria for each mode of drill is exacting - a rate of one response per second with required 100 percent accuracy. The rate is adjusted for the first-grade level and can also be adjusted under individual circumstances.

Within the program are provisions for indi- vidual differences. As a prerequisite to the first addition lesson, the program states minimum requirements in the ability to write numerals and in counting. The software program requires keyboard skills before mastery work begins and lends practice in the acquisition of these skills. The computer program presents more challeng- ing drills if a student desires. Also, the com- puter program allows for changes in font if a student has vision problems.

Strengths For the student trying to master the number facts, this program has some very positive as- pects. The combination of oral, written, and computer practice allows for variety in learn- ing. Immediate feedback and correction are supplied in all the drills. The mastery require- ments, though rigid, are achievable, offer a challenge, and establish an easily understood goal. Systematic review of previously learned facts is incorporated. The program promotes drill practices that are appropriate in length.

For both the teacher and the student, the di- rections for the printed materials and the com- puter disks are clear and detailed.

Weaknesses With Number Facts Mastery Program, it is nec- essary for the teacher to supply the extrinsic motivation and reward for students' accom- plishments. Other than the personal stimulation of racing against time and the intrinsic motiva- tion of accomplishment, the program does not include a system of reward. However, ideas for reinforcement and motivation are discussed in the teacher's manual.

Summary Number Facts Mastery Program is well planned, organized, and written. It facilitates a comprehensive approach to the mastery of number facts. The authors' experience with the goals of mastery teaching is evident in the de- sign and completeness of the program. For the teacher with an adequate budget, this program would be a beneficial teaching tool. - Mary Fries, Arrowhead School, Pray, MT 59047,

Number Maze. 1989, 512K, Apple Macin- tosh; $49.95. Great Wave Software, 5353 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, С А 95066.

Number Maze is a drill-and-practice program for the Macintosh that features an extensive management-record-keeping component to ac- company an extensive array of mathematics "curricula."

The format for the drill and practice is a maze

MARCH 1990 и

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