What role does language play in developing the concept of number? This question is at the center of an important current debate. To try to answer it, one must first consider what is needed to learn number words and their meaning. First, the learner has to be able to identify number words as such, that is, to distinguish them from other sorts of…

The question is raised: What comes first: rules of calculation or the meaning of concepts? The pressures on the teacher to teach and simplify knowledge to algorithms are discussed. The relation between conceptual and procedural knowledge in school mathematics and consequences for the teacher's professional knowledge are considered. (DC)

Presents a summary report of a discussion subgroup of the Algebra Working Group at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematics Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. Argues that pre-algebra should be viewed as a continuation of arithmetic that asks different questions about numbers. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

The article considers various learning disabilities in mathematics and suggests teaching approaches such as ways to increase instructional time and the importance of building both computation skills and concepts. (DB)

Presents report of 1983 conference on trade books for young children co-sponsored by Drexel University and Free Library of Philadelphia. Keynote address by Ava Weiss, Art Director of Green Willow Books, is followed by summaries of workshops led by well-known authors, illustrators, and/or editors. A selected bibliography of books is included. (EJS)

The article suggests that Belcastro rods, which retain the basic properties of Cuisenaire rods but allow instant identification by touch, may be useful in teaching mathematical concepts to blind children. Drawings illustrate use of the rods in teaching such concepts as addition and subtraction. (Author/DB)

Examines the concept of number sense in mathematics learning, compares this concept to that of phonological awareness in reading, and urges application of existing research to improving mathematics instruction for students with mathematical disabilities. Reviews research on building automaticity with basic facts, adjusting instruction to address…

Presents a covariation approach to learning exponential and logarithmic functions based on a primitive multiplicative operation labeled splitting that is not repeated addition. Suggests that students need the opportunity to build a number system from splitting structures and their geometric forms. (30 references) (MKR)

Establishing and maintaining the desirable kind of balance between meaning and computational competence is the subject of this reprint from a 1956 issue of the journal. Sources of the dilemma and suggestions for solution are discussed. (MNS)

Three types of arithmetic algorithms are discussed and compared. These are algorithms designed to get the right answer, computer algorithms, and algorithms designed to get the right answer and understand why. (MP)

This discussion concerns itself with difficulties encountered by students in multiplication and concludes that when children understand a problem they can usually solve it. (MP)

Examines current research on brain development, focusing on infants' ability to understand basic numerical concepts and arithmetic operations. Asserts that as the brain undergoes dramatic transformations, it already has a built-in capacity to understand basic numerical concepts. Recommends that parents and professionals engage in activities…

Reviews evidence against theories about preschool childrens' egocentricity and cognitive ineptness in the areas of classification, communication, number and order concepts, memory skills, and capacity for reasoning about causal relationships. Holds that preschoolers have been misunderstood because researchers tend to approach them with tasks…

One teacher's struggle with conveying a concrete realization of the subtraction algorithm to students leads to a discussion of elementary mathematics instruction in general. (MP)

Discusses some important components of instruction on fractions in the early childhood years. Argues that fractions should be included in the early childhood curriculum and suggests various activities and materials. (PK)