Some recent research findings with implications for improving mathematics instruction are reviewed in this report. The focus is on two topics: computation, in particular subtraction and estimation, and problem solving. Findings about each are listed, with references for each cited study included. Effective algorithms and strategies used by…

This document reports on the initial phase of a project investigating how to relate formal mathematical representational and problem solving skills to informal strategies that children naturally invent to solve simple addition and subtraction problems. A program was developed that allows pupils to solve word problems on a microcomputer. A pilot…

This paper describes the research program of the Mathematics Work Group of the Wisconsin Research and Development Center for Individualized Schooling. The major interest is in the development of children's abilities to solve verbal addition and subtraction problems and particularly in the processes and strategies used by children. Three factors…

This study investigated the relationships between Piagetian logical reasoning abilities with an information processing capacity, and first-grade children's performance on verbal addition and subtraction problems. An analysis of simple arithmetic problems indicated that several reasoning abilities identified by Piaget are needed to achieve…

Forty-three first-grade children, who had received no formal instruction in addition and subtraction, were individually administered 20 problems that could be solved using addition or subtraction. The problems were selected to represent the following semantic types: joining, separating, part-part-whole, comparison, and equalizing. Responses were…

The study investigated children's ability to write number sentences for simple addition and subtraction word problems. The results suggest that open number sentences may provide mathematical symbolism that allows young children to build on informal strategies for presenting and solving simple word problems. (Author/PK)

Two important aspects of transfer in mathematics learning are the application of mathematical knowledge (MK) to problem solving and the acquisition of more advanced concepts. General assumptions and themes of current cognitive research on mathematics learning in schoolchildren are discussed, focusing on issues facilitating the transfer of MK. (TJH)

Determined whether 11 third-grade children, differing in cognitive processing capacity, solve addition and subtraction word problems differently. Results, among others, show that children who differ in cognitive processing capacity also differ in strategies they use to solve the same verbal problems and differ in their success in finding correct…

Solutions to addition and subtraction word problems were studied in a three-year longitudinal study that followed 88 children from grades one to three. They solved problems using a variety of strategies before formal instruction and used invented strategies several years after formal instruction. Four levels of problem-solving ability were found.…

The degree to which test item bias techniques can lead to interpretable results when groups are defined in terms of specified differences in the cognitive processes involved in problem-solving strategies was studied. Data from two groups of junior high school students (N=545) were used. (TJH)

Interviewed 59 2nd- and 44 3rd-year elementary school students concerning their solutions to arithmetic problems commensurate with their age and ability. The results indicate that as children progress through school, they continue to use counting as an important part of their problem-solving repertoire, combining counting skills in idiosyncratic…

This book is one in a series of teacher resource books developed to: (1) rescue students from the clutches of computers that drill and control; and (2) supply teachers with computer activities compatible with a mathematics program that emphasizes investigation, problem solving, creativity, and hypothesis making and testing. This is not a book…

This paper documents the achievement monitoring component of a three-year study on the acquisition of addition-subtraction problem-solving skills by young children. A set of performance objectives contained in or ancillary to ten instructional units on sentence-writing for verbal problems and algorithms specified test content. Tests measuring…

This paper describes the various procedures associated with the individual interviews that are part of the data gathering processes of the Coordinated Study being carried out by the Mathematics Work Group of the Wisconsin Research and Development Center for Individualized Schooling. The first major section describes the six basic verbal addition…

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare kindergarten and first-grade children's performance on addition and subtraction problems presented in two contexts: verbal (in which problem data were linked to physical referents such as objects or people and their actions), and abstract (in which no such links to physical situations…