RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Understanding Strategies of Multiplication and Division Through Worked-Out Examples Using an Inquiry-Based Approach
Page: 1277
Preservice elementary school teachers tend to struggle with having a conceptual understanding of strategies of multiplication and division. Thereby, finding it difficult to effectively explain those strategies to their students. This activity explored various strategies of multiplication and division through worked-out examples using an inquiry-based approach. The strategies for multiplication include modeling with base 10 blocks, area or box method, partial products, lattice method and the traditional method. The strategies for division include modeling with base 10 blocks, box method, repeated subtraction (or partial quotients), grid method and the traditional method. The worked-out examples include writing prompts to encourage self-explanation on step-by-step approach of how to use a particular strategy. Using this method, students worked in pairs to identify patterns and review step-by-step procedures of solved mathematical problems in the classroom. After reviewing worked-out examples, students were able to solve problems using the alternative strategies effectively and efficiently. Implementing the use of worked-out examples and inquiry-based approach provided students with a powerful step-by-step detailed explanation of how problems were solved.