I am a volunteer reader at the Princeton unit of "Learning Ally" (formerly "Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic") and I recently discovered that high school students are introduced to the concept of quantization well before they take chemistry and physics. For the past few months I have been reading onto computer files a…

The presentation of physics content knowledge in conjunction with the lack of examples in solving problems leads high school students to struggle with mathematical problem solving in physics courses. This paper explains the importance and necessity of having mathematical courses for all high school students. (YDS)

In this article, the author talks about his experiences when he started a mathematics degree with the Open University. He shares what happened during a course on mathematical models and methods and his major influences in mathematics. He also offers his current pedagogy that is based purely on his experiences and time spent talking to other…

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

Answers to mathematical problems come in all forms and most come with a variety of questions. Students often forget to ask questions once they have found an answer. This paper suggests that students would always benefit by questioning answers.

Computer programing and problem-solving steps in mathematics are viewed to have related concepts. Some heuristics are compared with some suggestions for structured programing. The one fundamental difference between problem solving in general and when using the computer is seen as the computer solution must be finite. The computer is viewed as a…

Historical issues concerning the role of mathematics in the school curriculum are considered, with numerous examples illustrating varying emphases. (MNS)

Presented are twenty essays related to applications in school mathematics and aimed at the classroom teacher. The essays use numerous examples and illustrations that provide the teacher with something tangible for immediate use. Four thematic areas are addressed: (1) What are applications?; (2) Why include applications in school mathematics?; (3)…

We should not, in the name of "back to basics," regress to the old methodologies of memorization and drill. Computational skills must be thoroughly developed, but mathematics should also be taught in a way that will enhance thinking skills and problem solving in an enjoyable atmosphere. (Author/SJL)

An example of an unrealistic "real world" problem from the National Assessment of Educational Progress highlights a comparison of school and "folk" mathematics. The failures of typical problems taught in school and some suggested remedies are featured. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document:…

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)

Women tend to subscribe to a belief that they are less inclined than males to handle numbers, logic, or problem-solving tasks. Upward mobility in occupations is seen to be dependent on math. A list of math anxiety, math avoidance, and math reentry programs given around the country is provided. (MLW)

Summarizes the interview and observation of mathematics teachers on their classroom teaching of problem solving. Discusses the related issues that teachers should consider as they plan and teach problem solving lessons. (YP)

The ways in which students in grades five and six solve problems is the focus of this paper, which provides background for the staff of the Skills Essential to Learning Television Project, (a multi-level series of video and print resources for classroom use). It considers the problem-solving process categories of understanding, transformation, and…