The authors' goal is twofold. First, they wished to produce a theoretically-based approach to this synthesis. Child-centered programs have a long history. However, concerns about children's achievement, and the pressure of content-specific standards, have set up a perceived conflict, in which educators believe they are being asked to abandon…

For the past decade, MDRC has evaluated a number of interventions designed to improve the outcomes of community college students, including enhanced counseling, learning communities, and financial incentives. Encouragingly, many of these strategies have produced positive effects, affirming that changes in institutional practices and policies can…

In August 2008, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) brought together approximately 60 mathematics education researchers and practitioners for a 4-day working conference. During this working conference, the participants analyzed over 350 mathematics education practitioner-generated questions in seven areas: assessment,…

Discusses the initial purposes of the National Curriculum assessment. Argues that pupils and teachers could benefit from a better analysis of assessment data by considering a system of assessment used in France. Suggests that the use of information technology would enable formative, diagnostic, summative, and evaluative assessment to take place…

This book focuses on the implementation of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Chapters include: (1) "Math Power"; (2) "Directions for Change: The NCTM Standards"; (3) "Children Constructing Knowledge"; (4) "Teachers as Problem Solvers"; (5) "Building Understanding";…

Discusses the need for curriculum evaluation in mathematics as well as in other disciplines. Also discusses methods and techniques of curriculum evaluation, some of which are particularly relevant to evaluating mathematics curricula. (Author/JN)

Views the mathematics curriculum in terms of things that can be worked out by someone (necessary) and things about which everyone needs to be informed (arbitrary). This view clarifies the roles that teachers and students have within the complexities of teaching and learning. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

This publication, designed to help teacher educators profit from the experience and wisdom of colleagues, brings together articles from "The Arithmetic Teacher" on preservice elementary school mathematics teacher education. This collection of articles has two specific purposes. One is to serve as a reminder of the broader issues and concerns that…

This book contains 15 chapters: (1) "Teaching Problem Solving"; (2) "Using Calculators and Computers in Elementary School Mathematics"; (3) "Organizing for Instruction"; (4) "Teaching Numeration of Whole Numbers"; (5) "Teaching Numeration of Common and Decimal Fractions"; (6) "Teaching Addition and Subtraction of Whole Numbers"; (7) "Teaching…

Discusses a course taken at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) by undergraduates majoring in elementary education. The course attempts to combine theory and practice, emphasizing teaching methods which stress that learners make use of "mental representations" in assembling a working understanding of various components of their…

Teachers can partially remedy misconceptions and anxiety about mathematics by incorporating a historical perspective into mathematics teaching. Numerous examples of how this can be done are presented, along with ideas illustrating the growth and evolution of mathematical ideas. (MNS)

Reasons why mathematics teachers should teach writing are discussed. Getting started by including an essay question on a test is proposed and suggestions on giving feedback are noted. (MNS)

Mathematics curriculum and instruction for elementary students with learning and behavior problems are addressed. The article considers (1) best practices in assessment of both product and process to identify instructional needs; (2) determining an appropriate curriculum; and (3) designing an instructional program based on best practices.…

Changes in the elementary school mathematics curriculum and instruction due to technological advances with calculators and computers are hypothesized. It is suggested that the secondary school curriculum will catch up in another decade. (MNS)

The College Success in Mathematics Project began in 1996 with the production of a framework for student success in university-level mathematics courses at the University of Guam. The project continued with a one-week workshop followed by the preparation of "Preparing for Mathematics" at the University of Guam (UOG), which outlined specific topics…