Computational Fluency

Students can develop computational fluency using a variety of strategies.
What is Computational Fluency?

Students should be computing fluently with whole numbers. Computational fluency refers to having efficient and accurate methods for computing. Students exhibit computational fluency when they demonstrate flexibility in the computational methods they choose, understand and can explain these methods, and produce accurate answers efficiently. The computational methods that a student uses should be based on mathematical ideas that the student understands well.  Fluency with whole-number computation depends, in large part, on fluency with basic number combinations—the single-digit addition and multiplication pairs and their counterparts for subtraction and division.  Fluency with the basic number combinations develops from well-understood meanings for the four operations and from a focus on thinking strategies (Thornton 1990; Isaacs and Carroll 1999).

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics,

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000

Here is a sample of a few problem situations that can help students develop their computational fluency and demonstrate flexible strategies. Click on the title below for you copy. 

Problem Situation Cards