This study investigated the effects of a series of mathematics lessons which were designed to encourage a spatial mode of thinking. Using fifth-grade students from four intact classrooms, a pretest and posttest battery composed of spatial tests, reasoning tests, and a problem-solving test, were administered to the experimental and two control…

THIS GUIDE EXPLAINS HOW A COMPUTER MIGHT BE USED IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REGULAR COURSE OF STUDY. STARTING WITH THE PREMISE THAT A CHILD WHO LEARNS TO OPERATE A COMPUTER IS LED BY HIS NEW SELF ESTEEM TOWARD A GREATER INTEREST IN HIS COURSES, THE AUTHORS STATE THAT COMPUTER EDUCATION WILL ALSO MEET THESE OBJECTIVES--(1)…

An interim report from the National Science Foundation describes the FUNCTIONS program--an ongoing effort to teach problem solving and mathematics by computer. Two problems are discussed: How can math content be taught in a manner which also develops problem solving skills? Also, how does a curriculum organized to develop problem solving skills…

Discusses the correction of students' work in mathematics. Argues that none of the principles upon which the corrections are based are valid. Urges teachers to avoid negativism, work toward neutrality in the corrections process, and pay more attention to the logic used by the students in getting their answers. (TW)

This eighteenth annual listing of mathematics education research contains research summaries, articles, and dissertations listed alphabetically by author within each category. For each reference, the grade or age level is indicated. An index is included at the end to help readers locate studies on specified topics. (PK)

Reviews following computer materials: Coordinate Math; How the West Was One + Three x Four; Math Facts Lottery, Basic Skills Game; Math Tutor, Division; Now You See It, Now You Don't; Pinball Math, Basic Skills Game; Place Value-Add/Subtract; Quarter Mile; Regrouping; Sailing through Story Problems; Scope Math, Computer Mathematics Course for…

Examines how teachers' conceptions about teaching mathematics influence the manner in which they plan instruction in mathematical problem solving. Results demonstrate that teachers had a limited knowledge of teaching techniques and that teachers' concerns focused more on collection of materials and resources than on how to teach problem solving.…

Mathematical problem-solving processes used by 27 eighth graders who had studied programming were compared to those of 27 who had not. Programmers used more systematic approaches and reviewed solutions more often than nonprogrammers but did not make more use of equations or do more planning. (PK)

An overview is presented of information processing analyses of knowledge and performance in three areas of the elementary mathematics curriculum: basic addition and subtraction facts, complex procedures such as multicolumn subtraction, and the solution of word problems. Theories of the knowledge associated with "expert" performance are discussed.…

An increasingly technological world demands strong mathematical skills for the workforce and everyday life, and these demands will increase in the future. Research has shown that children are more likely to be successful in mathematics and other academic subjects when parents actively support their learning. To ensure that children are on track…

This curriculum guide provides resources that teachers and trainers can use to help learners improve their ability to apply mathematical problem-solving skills in the workplace. The instructional strategies and practice problems in the guide are patterned after those of the American College Testing (ACT) Work Keys System. Gains in skill levels can…

One purpose of this case study was to obtain information on the influence of the Detroit Urban Systemic Initiative (USI) on the frequency of implementation of constructivist-oriented, standards-based science and mathematics instructional practices. Information about the perceived adequacy of the curriculum for standards-based instruction was…

Technology has revolutionized the way mathematics and science are taught and few innovations in mathematics education have had as much impact as the graphing calculator. Fourteen classroom teachers were brought together during the summer of 1997 and during a week-long workshop, the teachers collaborated to develop a resource guide for integrating…

Describes journal writing with first-graders to promote math relevancy. Children brainstormed situations requiring mathematics, wrote about them in journals, and shared journal entries with classmates. After children solved a word problem that the teacher created from journal entries, they wrote their own word problems, worked in pairs to check…

Describes a mathematical investigation of gold--how it is weighed, stored, used, and valued. For grades 3-4, children estimate the value of treasure chests filled with gold coins and explore the size and weight of gold bars. Children in grades 5-6 explore how gold is mined and used, and how the value of gold changes over time. (PVD)