132 Multiplication and Division Concepts
Successful Strategies
Some teachers become too focused on rows versus columns
when teaching rectangular arrays. By most defi nitions,
rows are horizontal and columns are vertical. However, if
you turn the array 90° the rows and columns switch. What
complicates the issue further is that some educators use the
term “rows” to mean both columns and rows. To deal with
these complications, explain the inconsistencies to students
and let them decide how they would like to use the terms
in their descriptions of arrays. In this way, students can take
ownership and focus on building meaningful experiences
with multiplication and division.rectangular array,
rows, columns, multiply,
multiplication, multiplier,
multiplicand, product
divide, division, dividend,
divisor, quotientMath Words to Use
Questions at Different Levels of Cognitive Demand
Recall: What are three rows of two?
Comprehension: What are rectangular arrays?
Application: How would you show the array
for 9 x 4?
Analysis: Which array matches the expression?
Evaluation: What is the most important thing about
rectangular arrays?
Synthesis: How would you recognize the array to show
a different problem with the same product/dividend?EASYCOMPLEX