An Asian approach to operations with fractions: Can achievement be enhanced by a mechanistic heuristic

"The 2537 Rule" involves a combination of Korean and American basic mathematics algorithms: American division procedures and Korean prime factorization rules. The 2537 rule is a way for students to understand concepts involving fractions. The 2537 rule method is based on the fact that the most frequently encountered fraction problems are solved using four major prime numbers: 2,3,5,7. The 2537 rule helps a student discover whether or not a number between 2 and 100 is prime. The rule is useful in reducing fractions, in multiplying and dividing fractions and in adding and subtracting fractions.;The purpose of this study was to determine whether the 2537 rule is an effective tool to lean fractions in college remedial mathematic classes. The research was conducted with seven remedial mathematics classes at a smaller college in a remedial mathematics setting where pre tests and post tests were administrated to students at the beginning and end of each semester. The study compared the 2537 rule group and comparison group.;As a result, there was no significant quantitative difference between two groups. However, qualitatively, students appeared to understand fraction problem solving better in the groups that learned with the 2537 rule. According to students, the 2537 rule was easier to remember and to apply.;The study also compared instructor differences in order to determine if instructors other than the investigator found the 2537 rule to be a successful method of teaching fraction problems. Instructors in this study found that the 2537 rule to be an intriguing and easier method to understand and instruct. They felt that it deserves further research and development.