This guidance report focuses on the teaching of mathematics to pupils in Key Stages 2 and 3. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide to mathematics teaching. We have made recommendations where there are research findings that schools can use to make a significant difference to pupils' learning, and have focused on the questions that…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is widely endorsed as a desirable learning method, particularly in science. Especially in light of the method's heavy demand on resources, evidence-based practice is called for. Rigorous studies of the method's effectiveness, however, are scarce. In Study 1, college students enrolled in an elementary physics course…

The central purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of distractions in nonverbal problems on the problem solving behavior and performance of young children (grades 1-3) in 6 schools (N=360). Results indicated 66 percent of the subjects were distracted by irrelevant spatial-numerical or color attribute uses. (JC)

This book features a guide to teaching mathematics more effectively. Examining the different ways students acquire mathematical skills, it helps teachers develop flexible teaching methods that suit these varied ways of learning. Common areas of learning difficulty in mathematics and why students fail, ways for teachers to determine gaps in…

The article offers teachers suggestions on ways to instruct elementary students in the vocabulary of mathematics. It gives examples of math difficulties at the elementary school level, math difficulties related to vocabulary, and math difficulties related to problem solving. (DB)

Described and compared are two approaches for evaluating student problem solving skills at the elementary school level. One model was developed by Charles and Lester; the other model was developed by Woods. (RH)

This study investigated the effect of presentation of a good solution method on poor students' solving generalization problems and the difference between good and poor students' evaluation of a good method. Subjects were fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Three hints were presented: the suggestion of using a "solve a simpler problem" strategy,…

Results of mathematics education research in problem solving activities of third-grade children are covered. The assumption that the horizontal number sentence is a useful tool for solving verbal problems is questioned. (MP)

A Word Problem Program was set up to teach elementary school students how to solve arithmetic word problems and to teach some problem solving skills applicable to nonword problems. All instruction is accomplished through a computer program. Goals of the program are described along with three basic instructional decisions and the reasons for them,…

Children's difficulties remembering correct algorithms for operations with fractions are traced to difficulties in the instructional sequence. Many teachers "teach mistakes" by failing to provide sufficient referents for their pupils. (MP)

A longitudinal study followed perceptual and problem solving skill development in children (2-11 years old) with severe problems of oral and written language acquisition: 15 hearing impaired (HI) Ss; 11 children with a hearing loss that alone did not account for their language problem, who presented in addition so-called "learning problems" (HIL…

An elementary school-based team (SBT) problem-solving model is described. Intended to provide recommendations for initial screening, assessment, and instructional alternatives for students with learning problems in mainstreamed settings, the SBT is discussed in terms of benefits, potential problems, developmental sequence, functional processes,…

This paper reports on the classroom experiences of eight 11-year-old pupils with learning difficulties attending four Scottish special schools. Emphasis is on ways teachers can encourage reflective reasoning, problem solving, and metacognitive awareness by pupils who have moderate degrees of difficulty in learning. (Author/DB)

This document notes that arithmetic disabilities can occur with an otherwise normal intelligence level. Two models of explanation are given. The first emphasizes the conditions under which children learn mathematics, the second views the identification of a number of factors in the "structure of intelligence" that appear to be strongly…

The study examined procedures utilized in 28 elementary schools in Montgomery County (Maryland) when a student is found to have academic or behavioral problems that make functioning in the regular classroom difficult. The study examined one part of special education--how the school system initially identifies students for special services. The…