The various difficulties and cognitive obstacles that students face when they are introduced to algebra are well documented and described in the relevant bibliography. If it is possible, in order to avoid these difficulties, we have adopted the functional approach widening the meaning of algebraic thinking. In this paper, which is part of wider…

Measure Up is a research and development project that uses findings from Davydov (1975) and others to introduce mathematics through measurement and algebra in grades 1-3. This paper illustrates the use of generalized diagrams and symbols in solving word problems for a group of 10 children selected from a grade 3 Measure Up classroom. Students use…

The focus is on measurement and the concepts of length, area, and volume. Experiences with estimating and measuring are provided through worksheets on centimeters, areas of rectangular shape, block problems, and a garden problem. (MNS)

The author reviews a selection of mathematical problem books currently available. Methods of teaching mathematics courses based on problem solving are covered along with suggestions on how to conduct problem seminars. (MP)

More mental computation and organized and enjoyable activities to practice such skills are advocated. Suggestions for brief sessions involving challenging questions and quick recall of number facts are presented. The author presents and comments on several sample lessons designed for a wide range of student abilities. (MP)

Presents a problem suggested for students in grades one through six concerning the concepts of grouping, reasoning, and pattern finding. Discusses the student problem-solving process. (ASK)

Discussed are the limitations of teaching general problem-solving strategies and techniques and their relationship to transfer of learning. The lack of evidence for effective teaching strategies, curriculum reform ramifications, and alternative teaching techniques are considered. (KR)

Investigated was the effect of presenting arithmetic word problems in the students' native language or in English on Nigerian students mathematics skills and strategies. Findings indicated that both private and public school students performed better when the word problems were presented in their native language. (CW)

Ten teachers successfully taught first- and second-grade children to count up while keeping track with finger patterns. Learning to subtract by counting up greatly improved children's performance on take-away, compare, and equalize word problems, and enabled them to accelerate by as much as three years their learning of subtraction topics. (MNS)

Investigated the effect of problem wording on solving arithmetic word problems by first graders. Found that wording is a crucial component in solving difference problems. Results suggest that further research on word problem-solving processes focus on the interaction between linguistic comprehension and mathematical reasoning. (AA)

Describes the use of the children's book, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew," to present open-ended tasks designed to involve children in problem solving: estimating; conducting probability experiments; and collecting, sorting, classifying, displaying, and interpreting data. (MKR)

Study analyzed the written protocols of 900 elementary mathematics students from 5 achievement levels utilizing a 15-item arithmetic and problem-solving test administered in grade 3 and again in grade 6. Correct solutions resulted from similar strategies regardless of the achievement level, yet incorrect solutions ensued from many incorrect…

Discusses the equation and proportion methods for teaching how to solve percent problems. Supplements the teaching of each method by introducing a representational model that enhances understanding when solving percent problems. (MDH)

High school students (n=295) were administered variants of the student-professor problem to ascertain whether errors could be traced to implicit versus explicit relationships between the variables. Concludes that implicit variable relationship problems were harder than explicit variable relationship problems. A follow-up study to explore why is…

Described is a solution to the problem and a discussion of a computer estimation of the probability. A computer program written in Turbo Pascal and two sample runs are provided. Computations for a more general problem of this nature and changes in the program necessary for use with Apple Pascal are appended. (CW)