Math problem solving frequently involves choices among alternative strategies. Strategy choices, and effects of problem features on strategy choices, both vary among individuals. We propose that individual differences in strategy choices can be well characterized in terms of parametric variation in three types of influence: global bias, relevant…

This paper focuses on a professional development program for lower-secondary school mathematics teachers, led by mathematics education researchers, based on historical insights from Fibonacci's Liber Abbaci. The program, involving 25 teachers, emphasized using the history of mathematics to craft meaningful mathematical lessons on the topic of…

This study reviews the literature on error patterns in mathematics among students with mathematics difficulty. We analyzed and synthesized the findings from 17 studies, focusing on the characteristics of error analysis studies, the mathematics topics examined, and the specific error patterns identified. The results revealed the following: (a) the…

To understand misconceptions with rational numbers (i.e., fractions, decimals, and percentages), we administered an assessment of rational numbers to 331 undergraduate students from a 4-year university. The assessment included 41 items categorized as measuring foundational understanding, calculations, or word problems. We coded each student's…

This study used traditional and holographic video, along with eye-tracking technology, to examine how preservice teachers' physical act of looking is associated with how they attend to and assess students' fraction reasoning. Findings revealed that, although viewing of holograms may have influenced more focus on students' work area, there was…

In this article the authors overview how the recently revised (version 9) Australian Curriculum (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2022) and student difficulties with fractions relate to five developmental Fraction Schemes developed from multiple research projects in the literature. The article shares research findings from…

Without a conceptual understanding of fraction magnitude, students have difficulties understanding more advanced mathematics in high school and beyond. The purpose of this study is to highlight 4th and 8th grade students' misconceptions in fraction magnitude using the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2015 data. The study is…

The author showcases a number of readily available and affordable resources that may be used in mathematics classrooms to provide students with concrete learning experiences. Resources, alone, do not provide educational experiences unless they are accompanied by appropriate teaching to ensure rich and connected learning experiences.

Many children and adults have difficulty gaining a comprehensive understanding of rational numbers. Although fractions are taught before decimals and percentages in many countries, including the USA, a number of researchers have argued that decimals are easier to learn than fractions and therefore teaching them first might mitigate children's…

Implementation of the Common Core Mathematical Standards and Practices (CCSS) has emphasized the importance of instruction that develops both procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding. Novice teachers have experienced the implementation of the CCSS during their PreK-12 experience, as well as within their teacher preparation program. It may…

Students' construction, coordination, and abstraction of units underlie success across multiple mathematics domains. Structures for coordinating units underscore notions of numbers as composite units (e.g., five is a unit of five and five units of one). In this working group, we seek to facilitate collaboration amongst researchers and educators…

Many children and adults have difficulty gaining a comprehensive understanding of rational numbers. Although fractions are taught before decimals and percentages in many countries, including the USA, a number of researchers have argued that decimals are easier to learn than fractions and therefore teaching them first might mitigate children's…

This commentary summarizes emerging research into fractions instruction for students who are at risk for failure. Each of the three articles emphasizes a measure conception of fractions. Teaching fractions as measurement helps students learn the magnitude of rational numbers. However, measurement is only part of the way that students should…

The importance of the knowledge of fractions in mathematical learning, coupled with the difficulties students have with them, has prompted researchers to focus on this particular area of mathematics. The term "fraction proficiency" used in this article refers to a person's conceptual comprehension, procedural skills and the ability to…

This paper addresses the continuing need for mathematics teachers to enrich their mathematical knowledge beyond the school curriculum, in order to effectively engage students in creative and imaginative thinking, particularly, but not exclusively, students who show exceptional promise. The author, a retired university professor, works staff and…