Some findings from research on problem solving are briefly summarized. (MNS)

Evidence is presented that many primary-age children are good at solving word problems. The data comes from three years of observation of about 100 pupils from grades one through three. It is noted that instances of total failure were relatively rare. The individual interview method is recommended to teachers. (MP)

Research appears to support one major conclusion: problem-solving strategies should be taught. Sections presented are: Why doesn't research tell us what to do? What do we know about problem solving? What can teachers do to help children learn to solve problems? What has recent research affirmed? (MP)

Data from the 1977-78 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on the use of calculators are discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

After research on problem solving is briefly summarized, an in-service program on problem types and solution strategies is described. Teachers must know how pupils solve problems; they can use activities designed for both instruction and assessment. Key aspects of assessment are summarized. (MNS)

Suggestions for writing nonsexist textbooks are discussed. An analysis of problems in textbooks for grades 3-6 is then presented, indicating that the books are nonsexist but not antisexist. (MNS)

Misconceptions that children exhibit about area concepts are identified. Diagnostic teaching suggestions are given. (JT)

The author presented young children with reasoning problems. Summaries of performance on diverse problems are presented. (SD)

Some research about students with learning disabilities that textbook publishers need to consider as they revise problem-solving materials is briefly cited. (MNS)

Suggests that, when teaching statistics, research supports linking concrete experiences to procedures, giving students the opportunity to develop language, giving students a variety of problem types, using problems that represent the data in various forms, having students collect and summarize their own data, and using calculators for…

Results from the third national mathematics assessment are presented. Overall, the performance of nine year olds changed little since the second assessment, while significant gains were made by 13 year olds. Data on whole numbers, fractions and decimals, other basic concepts, and problem solving are discussed. (MNS)

Describes an ongoing project involving 23 second grade teachers who are teaching all mathematics, including computation, through small-group problem solving and whole class discussion. The authors suggest that teachers are generally successful in creating a "problem-solving atmosphere" and consequently the children persist in attempting…

Reports the third grade and seventh grade results of the fourth mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Summarizes the major results of the performance on number, operations, and word problem items. Some examples of data are given. (PK)

The performance of sixth and seventh graders on a variety of tasks involving estimation and reasonableness of results were studied. Also examined was the effect of a short unit of activities on these two topics. Correct answers approximately doubled after instruction. (MNS)

This third article on National Assessment results discusses general achievement trends and changes in performance over time. Performance scales, national trends, current achievement, learning concepts and skills, problem solving, minorities, and gender are considered. (MNS)