A reading comprehension program was developed and implemented that addressed the needs of sixth-grade students. The program focused on critical thinking skills using a teamwork approach. Each heterogeneous small group used a checklist composed of before, during, and after reading questions and activities. At the conclusion of the 12-week…

A practicum addressed the inability of fourth-grade students to successfully solve mathematics word problems due to poor comprehension of and negative attitude toward problem solving. A problem solving improvement program designed primarily around the writing process used in language arts instruction was implemented. The steps of this process…

A discrepancy exists between children's ability to compute and their ability to solve mathematical word problems. The literature suggests a variety of methods that have been attempted to improve this skill with varying success. The utilization of manipulatives, visualization, illustration, and emphasis on improving listening skills all were…

In this project, a plan for solving word problems based on the students' level of development was developed. A 10-week implementation of a plan for solving word problems at the concrete level of development included the use of a flow chart or plan to map out and solve word problems. Students then used the flow chart and manipulatives to develop…

A study asked 24 first grade children from 3 different classes to write number sentences and select appropriate alternative number sentences for addition and subtraction word problems. Results indicated that children could be characterized into five clusters according to their flexibility in accepting alternative number sentences and that…

A fourth grade teacher and grade level team leader designed and implemented a 10-week practicum intervention meant to improve 26 fourth grade students' motivation, perseverance, and positive attitudes toward problem solving in mathematics. Students took part in activities that enhanced perceptual and deductive reasoning skills, including strategy…

This practicum was designed to improve third grade students' problem-solving abilities through the use of problem-solving strategies. The project was implemented in a suburban elementary school that has a high percentage of students with limited or no English language skills. Activities were designed to increase the students' interest in solving…

A course of study was researched, designed, and implemented by the writer to learn mathematics apprehensions of fifth grade students. The primary goal was to reduce mathematics apprehension through positive mathematics experiences at home as well as in school. The objectives of the program were to develop a more positive feeling about mathematics…

This practicum addresses the need to organize a structured problem solving program for fifth and seventh grade students. The improvement of the students' problem solving skills and the enhancement of students' attitudes toward problem solving in mathematics were the main goals. The program implemented consisted of a structured problem solving…

The purpose of this practicum was to increase motivation and self-confidence of grade four students in mathematics achievement. Measured were the increase in the number of students displaying mastery of the times-tables, increase in the number of students making a gain on a math post-test, and increase in the number of students liking mathematics.…