From: Marielouise 
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 2000111613:19:01
Subject: A few tips

In order to do long division well, students need to be able to
estimate and also know their "times tables."  Preparing for this you
might give students a number line from A to B, you decide the range. 
Have the students place products that they know between the tics on
the line.  For example:  have the number line go from 0 to 200 by 20's
Ask the students to write at least one product that they know between
each tic. You can give the restrictions that you wish:  no three digit
factors, or whatever you wish.  This will give you some idea how well
the students can estimate and what they know.

Long division is one of the areas that the Standards is recommending
be de-emphasized.   That does not mean that it is not to be taught! 
That does not mean that it is not to be done!  It does mean that it
should not be the topic of emphasize for months at a time.  Long
division with a three digit divisor is time for a calculator for exact
answer.  An estimated answer should be expected.

For the mechanics of doing long division consult a text on the level
that you are teaching.

-Marielouise, for the Teacher2Teacher service

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