The changing role of number facts in the development of arithmetic skills: A cross-sectional study on students’ views and performance

Students’ performance in mathematics is a major focus of education research. One of the cornerstones of mathematical performance is arithmetic skills. The system of arithmetic skills is a complex one, the components of which can play different roles in the developmental processes. This study investigated number facts, general arithmetic skills, and students’ views on the importance of knowing multiplication number facts to better understand the possibly changing role of these components. Participants were 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade students (N = 254). The results suggest that even in their early years of schooling, students possess strong beliefs about the value of knowing multiplication number facts by heart. However, many continue to struggle with recalling answers, such as 7 times 8, within three seconds. This cross-sectional development study also reveals the evolving role of number facts in students’ arithmetic performance.