Basic facts are key to a student’s success in math. Basic facts are simple mathematic equations like eight times seven or forty two divided by six, similar to knowing common words in language or reading notes in music. They are essential skills used for every concept in math. Only about one third of students achieve the needed level of proficiency in with basic facts school. Another third will get most of them, but will fumble through the tougher ones resorting to time consuming techniques like to counting fingers. The remaining third will be hopelessly lost. As a general rule when asked a multiplication question students that can answer within three seconds will do well at math and those that answer in less than one second will do excellent at math. They must be able to do this for every basic fact for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. As well, a student must be able to answer the fact whether it is written with numbers (written on the board), given verbally (asked by the teacher) or represented symbolically (shown blocks representing numbers). Although this seems particular, imagine listening to someone sing “Oh Canada” only knowing most of the words.

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The trouble with learning basic facts is that most students are only taught one way to memorize them. Many teachers use the default method of rote memorization typified by the posting of the multiplication tables and routine time tests often called “Mad Minutes”. Although occasionally a teacher will use an alternative to this approach, the result is inevitable. Only one way to learn the facts is presented and only one third of the kids in a classroom will learn them.
Although the lack of basic skills will not be obvious to the teacher, parents or even the child, there will be signs. Since these students will focus a large amount of unnecessary time on computing the basic facts they often miss the other concepts taught in a lesson. Although children can fake their way through many math lessons, low scores, disruptive behaviour and a genuine dislike for math are often the results. If the source of this destructive trend goes unchecked, the student will continue to suffer down the road.
The solution in most cases is simply time. Being aware of this situation is a huge step for many parents and teachers. By taking the time and patience to do a thorough job of teaching the basic facts is one of the greatest gifts you can give a student. Offering options for learning the information like using flash cards, card games, posters or manipulatives will give more opportunities for success. Every minute of practice will improve the skill and confidence of a learner. There are many learning styles and ways of categorizing and approaching these styles. Thorough teaching and testing is crucial. If a student cannot add nine and seven easily, algebra is going to be a nightmare.
There are also alternatives that go outside the normal field of thinking. Using mnemonic devices (memory techniques) specific to math can allow students to learn the math facts in hours instead of months or years. I’ve personally seen it work with hundreds of students with amazing results.
This article hopefully gave you some insight into the mind of a struggling math student, the numbers to reassure you that you are not alone and some optimism that there are solutions out there.