PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

The derivation of the rule for the division of fractional numbers is considered one of the most difficult areas in the classroom instructions of grade 5 and 6. Probably caused by this difficulties the results in division of fractional numbers are very low, still lower than the results in addition, subtraction and multiplication which are not impressive. An analysis of errors shows that the high quota of errors in this area is due to incorrect solution strategies of the pupils. So it is necessary to select carefully the method of instruction. On the basis of a survey of the most frequently used methods in the USA, the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic and Austria the author discusses the different ways of meaningfully deriving the division rule and evaluates them critically on the basis of seven criteria in order to find the best ways.