Students around the world have difficulties in learning about fractions. In many countries, the average student never gains a conceptual knowledge of fractions. This research guide provides suggestions for teachers and administrators looking to improve fraction instruction in their classrooms or schools. The recommendations are based on a…

Describes the "Two-Eight" instructional model for students who have arithmetic computational skills but lack the ability to select appropriate strategies to solve problems. Offers examples showing the replacement of the actual values used in a word problem with the simple numeric values of 2 and 8 to create a parallel, solvable problem. (DMM)

Concepts from cognitive psychology are presented as an alternative framework to arithmetic instruction for students with disabilities. The approach, which emphasizes reasoning, communication, and problem solving, is applied to addition, division, multiplication, subtraction, and word problems. The purpose of arithmetic instruction is asserted to…

This document contains overviews of current research, insights from teachers and tutors, and considerations of such issues as metacognition, choice of operations, and the testing of problem-solving skills. Papers include: (1) "Historical Perspectives on Problem Solving in the Mathematics Curriculum" (George M. A. Stanic and Jeremy…

Presents a mathematical game called the dinner-guest problem that deals with Steiner triple systems. (HM)

Details are provided of a program on actuarial training developed at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton through the Department of Mathematical Sciences. An outline of its operation, including a few statistics on students in the program, is included. (MP)

States that problem-solving skills receive inadequate attention in many mathematics classrooms, and that preservice teacher-education programs can address the lack of instruction in problem solving. Provides rationale for teaching problem solving in the middle grades as an alternative to textbook exercises and worksheets and as a means of…

Mathematics textbooks should encourage students to understand--as well as to memorize--problem-solving processes, to think about the reasonableness of an answer, and to "see" mathematics through real-life applications. Eight questions are given which can help schools determine whether a textbook truly emphasizes problem-solving. (PP)

Explores the challenge of providing all future citizens with an appropriate quantitative literacy by means of teaching mathematics through useful applications with local and global perspectives. (Author/KHR)

Discussed are some applications of mathematics involved in actuarial science which may be taught in high school mathematics classes. Described are the importance of approximate solutions, multiple answers, and selling the solution to a problem. (CW)

Briefly examines the components of mathematical problem solving instruction, suggests seven guidelines for computer assisted instruction software in mathematical problem solving, and examines three commercially available examples of such software. (MBR)

Examines four areas of difficulty with graphing and modeling, identifies confusions and misconceptions, and shows how these areas interact in the presence of data-collection devices. (KHR)

Described is an approach to teaching algebra in a meaningful context by using problem solving to motivate students and increase their retention. Examples of this approach are given. (CW)

Discusses approaches to teaching mathematical problem solving in the context of number, including encouraging children to write number stories to consolidate their conceptual understanding and technical competence. The use of computers to explore mathematical concepts is discussed, and examples of how number squares can be used are provided. (CR)

The ways in which ratio analysis can help in long-range planning, budgeting, and asset management to strengthen financial performance and help avoid financial difficulties are explained. Types of ratios considered include balance sheet ratios, net operating ratios, and contribution and demand ratios. (MSE)