This section presents the Decimal Comparison Test, a 30 item test taking only 10 minutes for a class, which provides a deep insight into how individual students interpret decimal notation. Students can then be matched up with the case studies to identify appropriate teaching activities.

Seven other tests are also given - two for further identification of decimal misconceptions and five tests of basic skills. Many other difficulties with decimal arithmetic stem from misunderstanding the meaning of decimal notation, so it is important to teach it well.

Contents of this section

Decimal misconceptions described
Detailed descriptions of how different children interpret decimals. This is needed to interpret test results.

Prevalence of misconceptions: Years 5 to 10
Information about how common various errors are and how they change through schooling from recent research on over 3000 students.

Using the Decimal Comparison Tests
Photocopy masters and marking guides for Full, Quick and Zero tests.

Other items to try with your students
Items on many decimal-related concepts from international research, with results to compare your students against.

Short tests to check on the basics
Skill Test 1 - Decimal Numeration
Skill Test 2 - Decimal Addition and Subtraction
Skill Test 3 - Decimal Multiplication and Division
Skill Test 4 - Rounding and Place Value
Skill Test 5 - Unit Conversion
Read about teaching decimal operations.