The teaching of the multiplication algorithm through the use of the roman abacus

Abstract:

This paper presents the results of a study on the implementation of an alternative approach to teaching multiplication, based on the use the roman abacus, carried with 2nd-year-elementary school students. The chosen methodological approach is the qualitative research, justified by the suitability of the analyzed object to the goals of this research mode. Furthermore, regarding the procedures, the investigation can be understood as a research-action, which is developed within the school environment. The instruments used to collect data were: observation, logbook, questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Thus, based on the results, the pedagogical use of the roman abacus can be proposed for the teaching of the multiplication algorithm.

Keywords:
roman abacus; mathematics teaching; multiplication.