Math Fact Fluency Program FAQs | MathFactLab

Question 1

Why is MathFactLab better than other math fact fluency programs or websites?

Accepted Answer

MathFactLab was created to develop true math fact fluency rather than drilling for memorized automatic recall. It emphasizes flexible, efficient, reasoning-based strategies and interconnections among facts and inverse operations, using a strategy-based approach instead of rote memorization.

Question 2

Who created MathFactLab and why?

Accepted Answer

MathFactLab was created by Mike Kenny, a fifth-grade teacher. It grew from a master’s project focused on research-aligned, strategy-based math fact practice, evolving from organized strategy flashcards to Google Slideshows, and ultimately into an interactive web app.

Question 3

Do you offer trainings for teachers or help getting started?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mike Kenny, MathFactLab’s creator, is available to meet with teachers via Zoom to help them get the most out of MathFactLab.

Question 4

How much does MathFactLab cost?

Accepted Answer

MathFactLab describes its focus on true fluency rather than memorization-based drill. It distinguishes automaticity (automatic recall without understanding) from fluency (flexible, efficient, reasoning-based understanding) and explains that fluency is developed through strategy exploration rather than rote memorization.

Question 5

Does MathFactLab offer ways for teachers to accommodate the program to meet various student needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teachers can adjust settings such as the fluency rate (default 4 seconds, adjustable from 2 to 120 seconds), modify the pass rate on the Level Lifter assessment, and use interview-style assessments for students who struggle with computer-based assessments.

Question 6

How does MathFactLab help students to develop math fact fluency?

Accepted Answer

MathFactLab defines fluency as reasoning-based flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency (not just recall). Students develop fluency by practicing multiple strategies and models, building durable understanding rather than relying on memorization that can fade over time.

Question 7

Does MathFactLab use fact triangles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students see a progress table that maps stages and levels, and at each level they can see the exact fact triangles they are focusing on, helping them understand learning targets and see that each level is manageable.

Question 8

Does MathFactLab show the relationships between inverse operations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MathFactLab includes strategies designed to help students see inverse-operation relationships, including activities where students connect addition with subtraction and multiplication with division to recognize patterns and reduce what feels like separate knowledge.

Question 9

Does MathFactLab require memorization of math facts or memorizing multiplication tables?

Accepted Answer

No. Memorization is not required for fluency. With extensive strategic practice, many students naturally develop automaticity, but the goal is that students can respond fluently using efficient strategies, even if not every fact is recalled instantly.

Question 10

Does MathFactLab teach multiplication fact fluency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multiplication fact fluency is taught alongside division fact fluency, and MathFactLab also teaches addition and subtraction fact fluency.

Question 11

Does MathFactLab only teach the basic math facts?

Accepted Answer

No. MathFactLab includes advanced and super-advanced stages beyond the basics, including mental math applications for addition/subtraction and extended multiplication/division practice up to 20×20 through multiple advanced programs.

Question 12

Does MathFactLab provide hints?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hints are available often (not always). Students may see a hint button after the problem is revealed and can use it to receive a hint; some problems offer a second hint, and in some cases hints are given automatically.

Question 13

Does MathFactLab teach advanced facts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MathFactLab offers advanced and super-advanced stages for addition/subtraction and multiple advanced stages for multiplication, extending practice beyond traditional expectations.

Question 14

Do we take privacy seriously?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MathFactLab states that student privacy is important and directs users to its Privacy Policy for details.

Question 15

What is the difference between fluency and automaticity?

Accepted Answer

Fluency has depth of understanding and includes flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency. Automaticity is easy recall. A student can be fluent without full automaticity, and a student can be automatic without being fluent if their understanding is shallow and inflexible.

Question 16

What is the difference between drill and strategy-based math fact practice?

Accepted Answer

Drill quizzes students without giving strategic methods; if students are incorrect, it typically pushes memorization. Strategy-based practice helps students use multiple models and approaches to solve facts flexibly, building stronger mathematical thinking.

Question 17

Is multiplication table practice the same as multiplication facts practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The page states these are two names for the same practice.

Question 18

What strategies are used to teach addition and subtraction facts?

Accepted Answer

MathFactLab uses the power of five and ten with tools such as ten frames, rekenrek-like beads, and number lines, and introduces facts in a research-based sequence. Teachers can explore strategy options by using Teaching Tools in the teacher dashboard.

Question 19

How does MathFactLab cover the addition facts?

Accepted Answer

Students learn addition and subtraction simultaneously using fact families and inverse-operation relationships. The basic program progresses through a research-based sequence, beginning with +1, +2, facts with 0, and doubles, then within-10 facts, sums of 10, near-doubles, and beyond-ten facts.

Question 20

How does MathFactLab cover the subtraction facts?

Accepted Answer

Subtraction is learned alongside addition to leverage fact families and inverse relationships. The program uses a research-based progression and models such as ten frames, number lines, and rekenrek-like beads, with advanced levels beyond the basics.

Question 21

How does MathFactLab teach the double facts of math?

Accepted Answer

The doubles facts are taught in Level D of the addition/subtraction program using models such as ten frames, rekenrek beads, number lines, and double-bar diagrams.

Question 22

How does MathFactLab teach the double plus one facts or near-doubles?

Accepted Answer

Near-doubles are taught in Level G of the addition/subtraction program, emphasizing the idea of one more than a known fact, including ten-frame visuals that highlight the extra one.

Question 23

What strategies are used to teach multiplication and division facts?

Accepted Answer

Each multiplication/division level has its own strategies. For example, Level A (×2) emphasizes doubling and uses models such as ten frames, dice, number lines, open arrays, area models, and bar diagrams. Teachers can review strategies via Teaching Tools in the teacher dashboard.

Question 24

How does MathFactLab cover the multiplication facts?

Accepted Answer

Students learn multiplication and division together to leverage fact families and inverse relationships. The basic program follows a research-based sequence starting with foundational facts (×2, ×10, ×5, ×1, ×0) and then derived facts (×4, ×3, ×6, ×9, ×8, ×7), using multiple models.

Question 25

How does MathFactLab cover the division facts?

Accepted Answer

Division is taught alongside multiplication to take advantage of inverse relationships. The basic program follows the same research-based sequence as multiplication, and division uses models such as number lines, area models, and bar diagrams.

Question 26

Does MathFactLab teach the doubling strategy in multiplication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Level A of the multiplication/division learning mode teaches ×2 facts by using students’ prior knowledge of doubling and modeling it with tools such as ten frames, dice, number lines, and bar diagrams.

FAQs

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General Questions about MathFactLab’s Approach

General Questions about Math Fact Instruction

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