Estimation as an Essential Mathematical Skill. Professional Paper 39.

Progress that has been made in teaching estimation is reviewed. The paper shows that although little has been done in research and development, there is a great deal of interest in developing estimation as a primary skill in school mathematics. It suggests that it is feasible to design instruction sequences in computation, measurement, and problem solving where estimation is developed at an early point so that it can become a tool for learning other skills and concepts. (MP)