Teachers can help students with learning problems in solving arithmetic word problems by following the principles commonly used in the design of Direct Instruction curricula: teach rules and strategies rather than rote memorization; sequence examples and skills carefully; and introduce and review skills cumulatively. (CB)

Describes a class activity in which students create word problems associated to specific arithmetic problems that are then edited in their English class. Using the computer laboratory and a word-processing program under the supervision of the media specialist, the problems are compiled in a booklet, printed, and distributed. (MDH)

Fifteen mathematical puzzles and problems are presented. Areas investigated include pentominoes, arithmetic, fractions, and dissections (dissecting) a shape into two pieces that can be fitted together to form a square. Answers for each puzzle and problems are included. (JN)

Matrix organization can be used to construct math word problems for children with mild disabilities. Matrix organization specifies the characteristics of problems, such as problem theme or setting, operations, level of computation complexity, reading vocabulary level, and need for classification. A sample scope and sequence and 16 sample word…

Clarifies the relationship between oral reading accuracy and the ability to solve worded arithmetic problems using literature reviews. Discusses the implications of oral reading and lists eight guidelines for mathematics teachers. Thirty-seven references are listed. (YP)

Shares different students' solutions for a problem entitled How Much Film?, which appeared in the November 1997 issue of Teaching Children Mathematics. The problem has to do with how many rolls of film are necessary to take 687 pictures. (ASK)

The article details a process to develop and test an instructional program designed to teach learning disabled students the procedural, process, and task specific knowledge necessary to solve four kinds of arithmetic story problems. Single subject and group research designs were used to evaluate the problem solving unit. (Author/DB)

Discussed is the meaning of the word "of" as is found in mathematical expressions that involve fractional numbers. The conceptual rather than numerical distinction is stressed. Teaching techniques regarding difficulties with this concept are suggested. (CW)

Discusses two approaches to solving word problems that consider the verbal text of the problem, and analyze it to obtain its mathematical expression, as well as its numerical solution. Uses two computerized programs for word problems to capture the various strategies employed by the problem solvers. Contains 21 references. (Author/ASK)

This book is intended for middle-grade mathematics teachers who are searching for a wide variety of appropriately challenging and motivating problems with which to supplement regular textbook offerings. The 125 problems presented were found in the "Arithmetic Teacher" from 1975 to 1990. References are given both to the articles that contain these…

Analysis of arithmetic problem-solving difficulties among secondary school learning disabled students (N=63) indicated students had the most difficulty with problems of the indirect type and problems that contained extraneous information. Teaching suggestions are offered. (Author/DB)

This collection of activities demonstrates how the study of elementary mathematics can be extended beyond the school and involve teachers and students in investigative, problem-based experiences. The activities include topics in geometry, concept of number, algebra, measurement, graphing, statistics, and probability, and are organized into five…

This study tested the effectiveness of an experimental instructional strategy for writing arithmetic sentences for simple multiplication and division story problems involving nonintegral factors. Significant effects in favor of the experimental group were found on an intermediate test and a posttest. (Author/CW)

A collection of word problems for fifth and sixth grade students are presented. The problems, which are divided into four sections and which get progressively more difficult in each section, include: (1) 38 problems on ratio and proportion; (2) 40 multistep problems (problems which require more than one calculation); (3) 40 problems on geometry…

This is a project in an emerging line of research investigating children's informed knowledge of mathematics questions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ability of students who had not received multiplication or division instruction to solve multiplication and division word problems. The study consisted of videotaped interviews with 89…