How do I know if my student is ready for ThinkFast! ?
The only prerequisite is an understanding of the concepts of the relevant operation - addition and subtraction and/or multiplication and division. The student need not “know” the answers to any or all of the facts, or be fluent with them, to benefit from Think
Fast!.
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What will my student need to succeed in ThinkFast! ?
Beyond a computer with high speed internet access, your students will need a mouse to click numbers on the keypad, and the “spacebar” on a keyboard to enter them. (Note: if you plan to use a notebook computer, you should use an external mouse rather than the mousepad on the computer.)
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Is ThinkFast! a "drill and practice" program?
No. Coverage of all facts begins with instruction on efficient strategies that are based on properties of the number system and build number sense while improving accuracy and fluency.
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How does practice in ThinkFast! differ from any other practice?
In Think
Fast!, practice is meaningful because it reinforces the efficient strategies seen in the multimedia instruction lessons. This advanced procedure goes beyond correcting errors - It prevents errors.
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Does ThinkFast! use a "game" format?
No. Research has shown that embedding math activities in a game format can take the student’s attention away from the math which is detrimental to students who have difficulty with math. However, Think
Fast! uses scoring and feedback systems like those commonly used in many games which provides high levels of interest and motivation.
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How often and for how long should my student use ThinkFast! ?
Daily use is best. Fifteen to thirty minutes per day is ideal.
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Do my students need to know how to type or do 10-key entry?
No. Students simply need to use the mouse to choose the answer on screen, and the spacebar to enter the answer.
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What if my student isn't the fastest at finding the numbers with the mouse?
Think
Fast! periodically assesses each student’s speed of entering answers, and adjusts the fluency criteria accordingly. Since this is done throughout the program, changes in their speed of entry will not affect their outcomes.
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How are my students graded in ThinkFast! ?
Think
Fast! evaluates both accuracy in answering facts (mastery) and speed of recall (fluency). The goal for all students is to become both accurate and fluent as fast as they can. When a student shows s/he is fluent with a group of facts, s/he moves to the next group. Outcomes are measured as progress through a set of facts – either addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.
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