Abstract:

The results from Danish final exams in mathematics indicated that many students have difficulties when solving basic arithmetic problems when leaving lower secondary school after 9^th grade (15 – 16 years old). The aim of this study is to extend the knowledge of students’ strategy choice in Danish 3^rd , 6^th  and 8^th grade. 2998 students solved a Tri-phase flexibility Assessment with arithmetic problems aimed to elicit an adaptive strategy choice. The results shows that grade 6 students are the most frequent users of innovative strategies showing higher levels of adaptivity than 3^rd and 8^th students and there is a difference in students adaptivity both on school and class level.