The purpose of this study was to investigate eighth grade students' skills in different problem-posing situations. Problem-posing situations include free, semi-structured and structured problem-posing situations. The study was conducted using case study methodology, which is within the scope of descriptive research. The study was conducted with…

In this article we discuss an open-ended problem involving quadrilaterals that we continually offer each semester. The task has been posed to undergraduate and graduate students in methods and problem solving classes. The task involves drawing all possible four sided figures with corners at the dots. A four by four array of dots is included in the…

Learning about linear relationship with one unknown, middle school students may often demonstrate a certain degree of proficiency manipulating algebraic symbols. When encouraged, they can verbalize and explain the steps they perform, thereby demonstrating awareness of the procedures with symbols according to fixed rules. It is well known that…

In what unique ways can mathematics tasks contribute to pre-service teachers' understanding of subject matter and pedagogy? And what school mathematics tasks can usefully be included in a pre-service program? To contribute to answering these questions, we report on the selection and choice criteria for mathematics tasks that we use in an…

This paper describes an intervention at the 8th grade level where university mathematics researchers presented a series of lessons on introductory concepts in probability and statistics. Pre- and post-tests, and interviews were conducted to examine whether or not students at this grade level can understand these concepts. Students showed a…

A solution to the Rubik's Cube was introduced to an eighth grade mathematics class. The purpose of this study was to determine if an introduction to a solution to the Rubik's Cube could enhance students' problem-solving abilities, increase their general interest in mathematics, and enhance students' problem solving self-efficacy. Pre and Post…

Sixty four preservice teachers taking a mathematics methods class for middle schools were given 3 math problems: multiply a three digit number by a two digit number; divide a whole number by a fraction; and compare the volume of two cylinders made in different ways from the same rectangular sheet. They were to a) solve them, explaining their…