Research evaluating the variables that influence learning has devoted inadequate attention to the influence of the amount of new material presented at one time. The current study evaluated the impact of varying instructional set size (ISS) on the rate at which elementary school students mastered multiplication facts while receiving constant time…

A multiple-baseline design across math-fact sets was used to evaluate the effects of a taped-problems intervention on students' performance with addition facts and their inverses in an intact, rural, second-grade classroom. Results suggested that the procedure was effective in improving fluency on math facts as well as their inverses. Across 3…

Masters of worksheets are given that are designed to help students develop the problem-solving skills of analyzing information, identifying the question, and selecting pertinent facts. (MK)

The goals and history of the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary Schools are described. Teams, levels, and gender are discussed, as well as teacher training, administration, scoring, and awards. Sample problems are included. (MNS)

Results are reported from a study of the problem-solving abilities of Swedish children aged 12-13. Illustrative problems and conclusions are given to describe a method for defining and testing problem solving. (MNS)

This paper, part of a series of working papers published to provide documentation of research and development efforts associated with the Indigenous Mathematics Project of Papua New Guinea, discusses the role of problem solving in the mathematics curriculum and types and characteristics of good problems, with illustrations. Reasoning by analysis…

Six bonuses that students and teachers experience when using calculators are described. Then problem solving and creative problem-making are discussed, followed by practical suggestions for teachers who want to try calculators. Advice on personalizing the use of calculators and recognizing some of their limitations is also included. (MNS)

The skill of asking appropriate intermediate questions during problem solving is discussed. Several problems and other classroom activities are also presented. (MNS)

Since early childhood is a critical time to build a readiness for problem solving, 12 specific activities, with problems, are suggested. (MNS)

Problems involving record-setting events are presented, with comments on both the mathematics skills and the reading skills that are involved with each. (MNS)

Problems and activities are presented for which "I can't do it" or "It can't be done" are the correct responses. Including problems of this type in the curriculum adds a new dimension to students' learning and helps to develop better problem solvers. (Author/MK)

Several problems that can be used with calculators are provided. Teaching tips and references are included. (MNS)

NINETY FIRST GRADE CHILDREN WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM 3 SCHOOLS (WHICH EACH USED A DIFFERENT ARITHMETIC PROGRAM) TO PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTS OF 2 VARIABLES ON THE CHILDREN'S ABILITY TO SOLVE ADDITION PROBLEMS. THE VARIABLES WERE (1) THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF AN EXISTENTIAL QUANTIFIER PRECEDING THE START OF THE PROBLEM,…

Presented are example activities which are typical of the topic focus and methods of approach evident in the Algebraic Thinking in Children (ATIC) project. This project is aimed at assisting children to ultimately make sense of formal algebra when it is presented. (CW)

Problems were developed by third graders involving holiday customs in one of the countries of their ancestors. Eight sample problems are included. (MNS)