A study examined and explored the importance of language in successful math problem-solving. The participants of the study were 24 fourth-grade students in a public elementary school in an urban area. Students were instructed in solving math word problems with a variety of strategies ranging from task specific, procedural methods to…

The second volume of the 24th annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education contains full research report papers. Papers include: (1) "What you see is what you get: The influence of visualization on the perception of data structures" (Dan Aharoni); (2) "Exploring the transparency of graphs and graphing"…

The third volume of the 24th annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education contains full research report papers. Papers include: (1) "Mathematics classrooms functioning as communities of inquiry: Possibilities and constraints for changing practice" (Susie Groves, Brian Doig, and Laurance Splitter); (2)…

No longer just a user of commercial software, the 21st century teacher is a designer of interactive software based on theories of learning. This software, a comprehensive study of straightline equations, enhances conceptual understanding, sketching, graphic interpretive and word problem solving skills as well as making connections to real-life and…

The framework of the new British Columbia mathematics curriculum for grades 1-7 includes willingness to take risks and expanded tolerance of ambiguity as goals of mathematics learning. Two projects in Victoria (British Columbia) elementary schools explored ways to promote positive student attitudes toward mathematical tasks and problem solving.…

Noting that assumptions about the teaching and learning of early childhood mathematics have changed substantially since the 1970s, this chapter examines recent research that may inform curriculum development in early childhood mathematics. The chapter begins with a consideration of the theoretical perspectives for defining an appropriate…

Describes a mathematical investigation centered on collecting and analyzing data in a scientific setting. The first experiment teaches the basics of data collection--students should be able to identify variables that might have affected experimental results. The second activity includes designing an experiment to control for these variables. The…

Presents an extended activity consisting of a sequence of tasks organized so that students can visit several mathematical concepts concurrently and explore connections among them. Students build solids using bendable straws to form the skeletons of various polyhedra. Topics covered include tables and charts, algebraic expressions, surface area,…

Discusses a performance assessment tool that entails open-ended tasks requiring students not only to provide answers but to show their solution processes. Discusses several areas to address in developing open-ended tasks. Areas include the need to assess important mathematical content and cognitive processes, use of effective prompts, and use of…

The activation of real-world knowledge displayed by 91 Japanese fifth graders in solving school mathematics problems was compared to that of 75 previously studied Belgian students. Children in both cultures had a similar tendency to neglect common sense knowledge and realistic considerations as they attempted to solve word problems. (SLD)

Discusses the use of cognitive strategy instruction to improve students' performance in mathematics. The theoretical and research base for strategy instruction is reviewed, and developmental characteristics of students who have difficulties in mathematics are examined. A practical example of cognitive strategy instruction illustrates assessment…

Describes the use of the Internet to investigate mathematical problems, create and share information, discover patterns and relationships, and find out more about the world. This unit investigates pet ownership and introduces children to telecommunications, the use of the computer as a tool, and scientific research methods. Other units address…

The Triple Representation Model of problem solving is presented. The use of microcomputers in this problem-solving environment is discussed, and examples are provided. The integration of this method into the mathematics curriculum is described. (CW)

Investigates gender differences and the role of spatial visualization in problem solving in high school geometry. Reports that, whereas males and females differed in spatial visualization and in their performance, they did not differ in logical reasoning ability or in their use of geometric problem-solving strategies. (Author)

Examined are gender differences across the mathematics curriculum related to various topic areas and mathematical abilities. It was found that boys performed better than girls in geometry and excelled in comprehension, and solving routine and non-routine problems while girls were better at mathematical manipulation problems. (Author/MVL)