When is drill and practice effective?

Question

when developing strategies for basic facts, when building on thinking about and understanding of numbers, when developing basic number combinations, or after learning efficient thinking strategies for recalling basic facts ?

Answer 1

Drill and practice can be effective in several contexts, but it is particularly useful in the following situations:

1. When developing basic number combinations: Drill and practice helps reinforce the foundational skills needed for basic arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Repetition aids in memorization and automaticity, which are essential for later, more complex mathematical problem solving.

2. When building on thinking about and understanding numbers: While understanding concepts is crucial, drill and practice can help solidify that understanding by allowing students to apply their knowledge repeatedly. This can enhance their ability to compute and manipulate numbers quickly and accurately.

3. After learning efficient thinking strategies for recalling basic facts: Once students have learned strategies for thinking about numbers and recalling basic facts, drill and practice can help them implement these strategies effectively. It allows learners to internalize the methods and apply them in different contexts.

However, drill and practice is generally less effective for fostering deep understanding or developing strategies for problem-solving on its own. It works best when combined with conceptual teaching and understanding.