Although absolute value is of interest to mathematics teaching researchers, since many students face problems with it, there does not seem to be an integrated record of students' errors. The present study attempts to conduct a systematic review to identify and categorize errors and misconceptions of secondary school students aged 12-18 concerning…

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…

The acquisition of number conservation is a critical step in children's numerical and mathematical development. Classic developmental studies have established that children's number conservation is often biased by misleading intuitions. However, the precise nature of these conservation errors is not clear. A key question is whether conservation…

Discusses errors made by remedial intermediate algebra students in factoring polynomials in light of student definitions of factoring. Found certain beliefs about factoring to logically imply many of the errors made. Suggests that belief-based teaching can be successful in teaching factoring. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

A discussion of the history of error analysis in mathematics education research provides an overview of research published in German and Anglo-American publications since the early 1900s. (MP)

How computers have affected diagnosis in mathematics is discussed. A distinction is made between errors and mistakes, followed by consideration of computers as a diagnostic tool. The development of algorithms to diagnose errors and of models of student performance is described. (MNS)

In the study of mathematics instruction the focus has changed from the outcomes of learning to the cognitive processes involved in mathematics learning. This new emphasis presents a serious challenge for curriculum design, but it may also lead to more success for students in learning mathematics. (Author/VM)

The literature on proportional reasoning is reviewed. After methodology is discussed, strategies used to solve proportion problems, variables that influence performance, and training studies are each considered. (MNS)