Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math--math that is free of distortions--will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do. Memorization tricks and algorithms meant to make math…

In this article, the author describes how to help develop students' conceptual understanding of fractions through the tactical card-based game Nearest to One. Nearest to One promotes number-sense based strategies for comparing fractions, such as benchmarking (e.g., Is the fraction greater or less than one-half?) and building to the next whole,…

By the time they reach middle school, all students have been taught to add fractions. However, not all have "learned" to add fractions. The common mistake in adding fractions is to report that a/b + c/d is equal to (a + c)/(b + d). It is certainly necessary to correct this mistake when a student makes it. However, this occasion also…

Finding a fractional number equal to an infinite decimal is solved by two usual methods. Then a third method is discussed that allows students to avoid having to confront the idea of an attained infinity of symbols. (MNS)

Focusing on sports-oriented themes, activities that present computation and problem-solving examples that involve fractions, decimals, and percent are discussed. Worksheet masters suitable for duplication for classroom use are provided. (MP)

The approaches taken by two elementary school teachers in using computers as tools to stimulate and guide mathematical thinking are described. One had students design a BASIC program for counting; the other used demonstration programs to develop ideas about fractions and decimals. (MNS)

Both general and specific effective strategies for teaching decimals, fractions, and percents to students with learning disabilities are presented. Information is provided on the theoretical base that underlies these curricular areas, recent research, and future trends. The need for programs to be structured around individualization and intensity…

More work with fractions needs to be done in the elementary school, with emphasis on concepts rather than computational algorithms. (MP)

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics curriculum. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

This collection of lesson plans and activities for students aged 9-11 years is based on a science curriculum developed by a group of Caribbean nations. The activities pertain to topics such as place value, prime and composite numbers, the sieve of Eratosthenes, square numbers, factors and multiples, sequences, averages, geometry, symmetry,…

This document is the final report of the Regional Training Workshop for the Development of Materials for Mathematics Education in Asia and the Pacific, using a problem-solving approach. The workshop was committed to identifying materials which are readily available at low cost, in sufficient quantities to be used by children in classrooms in any…

The idea that studying part-whole number relationships can foster a better understanding of number concepts, addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages depending on the age of the student is discussed. Activities that incorporate number relationships and representations are presented. (KR)

Discusses the two overgeneralizations "multiplications makes bigger" and "division makes smaller" in the context of solving word problems involving rational numbers less than one. Presents activities to help students make sense of multiplication and division in these situations. (MDH)

This handbook was designed to be used in staff development programs for teachers of fourth and fifth grade mathematics. The program strives to make the teaching and learning of mathematics more meaningful by emphasizing process experiences. Good questioning techniques, problem exploration strategies and the use of manipulative materials are…

This booklet is intended to assist tutors in helping transitional and low-level adult basic education (ABE) students acquire the math skills required to make a successful adjustment to regular ABE classes. The exercises provided are intended primarily for use in student-tutor learning teams, with students gradually completing greater portions of…