Results are presented from two intervention studies which investigate whether encouraging elementary students to generate drawings of arithmetic word problems facilitates problem-solving performance. Findings indicate that fifth graders (N=50) generated many drawings of word problems and improved problem solutions after the intervention, whereas…

Outlines the development of a lesson structured around four stages of problem-solving. Provides five problems and questions for understanding, getting started, and for extension in each of the problems. (YP)

Describes methods for teaching mechanics. Concepts included are force, inertial frames, and rotation. Emphasizes how to feel or observe them. (YP)

Deals with the issue of visualization as it is related to the learning of mathematics in multicultural classrooms. Discusses the importance and the role of visualization in multicultural classrooms. (YP)

Students are to learn an explicit definition for fractions and then use it to illustrate and solve problems. All computations involve whole-number operations, and may be used with students in grades five-nine. Two transparencies and four worksheets are included. (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)

Discusses the use of spreadsheets for problem solving in middle and elementary school math classes. Lists six ideas for their use in the classroom. Includes two templates. (MVL)

Reports a study that investigated the effects of metacognitive instruction in mathematics on low achieving, predominantly Hispanic, elementary school students (grades 3-8). Students were randomly assigned to either experimental (metacognitive) or traditional instruction. Results on learning outcomes showed significant effects favoring students who…

U.S. (n=150) and Japanese (n=200) fourth graders generated multiple solutions with explanations for a simple mathematical task. U.S. responses revealed gender differences (girls averaged more responses), and comparison by nation revealed similarity of strategy frequencies, but Japanese students used more formal language and mathematical ideas. (13…

This brief report compares the lessons on addition and subtraction of signed whole numbers in three seventh-grade Japanese mathematics texts and four U.S. mathematics texts. Japanese books contained many more worked-out examples and relevant illustrations, while U.S. books had more irrelevant illustrations and unsolved problems. (SLD)

Discusses possible approaches to solving the problem of how many different triangles can be formed on an n x n geoboard and the different geometric concepts utilized to formulate a solution. Approaches include counting strategies, writing a computer program, and using difference equations. (MDH)

Presents two worksheets that ask students to count and classify the triangles that can be formed with a given total number of toothpicks or a given number of toothpicks for one side of the triangle. A third worksheet asks students to identify patterns observed during the investigations. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Describes three activities that the teacher can employ to help students develop thinking skills through mathematics instruction: (1) memorization using the technique of chunking; (2) higher order thinking with magic squares; and (3) predicting games. Identifies eight facets of the teacher's role in promoting thinking skills. (MDH)

Presents real life vignettes of a fifth grade teacher teaching mathematics. The teacher intended her students to find mathematics engaging, work cooperatively, and solve problems that relate to real life experiences. Noted a questionable focus and outcome for the teaching activities. (BB)

Describes a project that addresses the problem of the failure rate of African-American and Hispanic students in calculus. Discusses a solution that offers minority students a combination of workshops with intensified sections of the calculus course that challenge the students. (MDH)