Describes research which compared the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by (n=3) teachers and (n=29) children aged 5-8 for interpreting subtraction operations represented in numerical form. Some representations and strategies appeared to impose an extra processing load which can interfere with conceptual…

Presents a constructivist view of mathematics, mathematics teaching, and mathematics achievement, and differentiates this view as an alternative to the typical traditional perspective of these terms. Discusses the roots of this approach in contemporary information-processing psychology. (TW)

Reports on a seminar conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which was designed to help teachers develop their understanding of learning and teaching arithmetic. Describes some of the sessions and the activities and includes some of the dialogue exchanged within the group during the sessions. (TW)

Two studies to determine how students interact with two microworlds that reflect a constructivist view of learning investigated students' goals during interaction, strategies utilized to achieve their goals, changes in goals during interaction, and common patterns of interaction and learning. Concludes that well-designed games enable students to…

A longitudinal study followed Brian from grade five through grade seven to examine his representation and development of mathematical knowledge. Some observations over the four years were that Brian liked to figure things out, responded poorly to suggestions not fitting the representation he constructed, and changed attitudes from purposeful and…