Which intervention is most appropriate for a student who is not following the order of operations?

Using a mnemonic device is particularly effective for reinforcing the order of operations because it provides a memorable way for students to recall the sequence in which to perform mathematical calculations. One common mnemonic is "PEMDAS," which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This tool not only helps students remember the order but also engages them in a fun way, making it easier to commit the information to memory.

Mnemonic devices often enhance a student's ability to process and retain information. When students have a catchy phrase or acronym at their disposal, they can quickly retrieve and apply this knowledge when faced with complex mathematical expression evaluations. This method promotes independent problem-solving skills and helps build a procedural foundation in mathematics that is essential for future learning.

In contrast, other approaches may not directly address the specific issue of sequence recall as effectively. While manipulatives can aid in understanding concepts, they might not explicitly reinforce the order of operations. Reduced answer choices may not impact a student's understanding of the concept itself, and math drills could help catch mistakes but might not focus on the foundational reason why the student struggles with the sequence in calculations.