Essential differences between high and low performers' thinking about graphically oriented numeracy items

This study compared the thinking of five high performing and five low performing primary students on a set of graphically-oriented numeracy items. Generally, their thinking differed in four ways. First, high performers drew on existing knowledge and skills, which low performers appeared to lack. Second, high performers used multiple cues to complete tasks, whereas low performers worked from a single cue or overlooked cues. Third, high performers used simple solution procedures correctly; in contrast, low performers used more mentally demanding procedures with limited success. Finally, high performers were more knowledgeable about everyday graphics than low performers