Science as inquiry and mathematics as problem solving are conjoined fraternal twins attached by their similarities but with distinct differences. Inquiry and problem solving are promoted in contemporary science and mathematics education reforms as a critical attribute of the nature of disciplines, teaching methods, and learning outcomes involving…

In this action research, first-graders were challenged to cope with a sequence of modelling tasks involving an analysis of given situations and choices of mathematical tools. In the course of the sequence, they underwent a change in the nature of their problem-solving processes and developed modelling competencies. Moreover, during the task…

The author introduces the birthday problem in this article. This can amuse willing members of any birthday party. This problem can also be used as the motivational first day lecture in number theory for the gifted students in high schools or in community colleges or in undergraduate classes in colleges.

This document presents the executive summary of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1992 mathematics assessment. It included nearly 250,000 fourth, eighth, and twelfth grade students attending approximately 10,000 schools across the United States. The results from the assessment indicate that student performance is improving…

Proposes sports statistics as a source of interesting and motivating problems for algebra students. Examines the possible solutions to a problem involving winning percentages in baseball. (MDH)

The technique of organizing data in tables to solve counting problems in geometry is illustrated in the solution of five problems. (MN)

A comparison of three approaches to problem solving in fourth grade mathematics is presented. Three classes participated in the study. Class One studied problem solving in a structured classroom setting, Class Two studied problem solving incidentally, and Class Three studied problem solving when it appeared in the text. The structured study of…

Sixteen investigations using 32 third graders, 286 fourth graders, 183 fifth graders, and 343 sixth graders, were undertaken to determine table-using proficiencies. The data indicate that: (1) upper elementary students are able to retrieve information accurately and quickly from noncomplex numerical tables over a wide range of levels of tabular…

Discusses the process of learning to construct and interpret representations from a social practice perspective. If students need to construct tables and graphs to complete a project report in mathematics or science, they can learn to consider whether these forms are effective at communicating important information. If students merely complete…

This report describes the evaluation of two video programs from "Solve It," a sixth-grade mathematics series. The 18-part series is designed to improve students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in mathematics. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the instructional effectiveness and appeal of two rough-cut programs, "Geometry…

Local, state, and national professional organizations have endorsed problem solving as the most important outcome to be achieved in a K-12 mathematics program. This booklet illustrates some ways to teach different problem solving strategies to elementary school students. It concentrates on methods involving: (1) working background; (2) using a…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) administered the selected supplemental mathematics exercises to 13-year-old students during October and November 1975 and to 17-year-old students during March and April 1976. This assessment represents a specially modified supplement to 1972-73 full-scale mathematics assessment and was…

The "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989)" calls for the revision of existing secondary mathematics curricula which include an emphasis on contextual problems, multiple representations, and the use of computers. The focus of this revision significantly involves the acknowledgment of the key role of the…

Presents an activity through which students develop mathematical concepts connected to area and perimeter in a rich, real-life setting and use tables, graphs, diagrams, and spreadsheets to explore the problem, see relationships, and make and test conjectures about those relationships. Encourages algebraic thinking. (SYB)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what students in the United States know and can do in various academic subjects. The 1996 NAEP in mathematics assessed the current level of mathematical achievement as a mechanism for informing education reform. In 1996, 44…