Why games should be used in mathematics classes is discussed. Their advantages and use in teaching mathematics effectively are emphasized: to practice skills, to develop concepts, to build problem-solving strategies, and to motivate. (MNS)

Highlights the major areas of research in mathematics education in 1983 (including problem-solving, sex and minority-group differences related to mathematics, and the school mathematics curriculum). Indicates that additional emphasis needs to be placed on technology, problem-solving, teachers' conceptions, and the teaching of algebra. (JN)

Describes an activity (which has worked well with gifted students in grades 2-10, high school seniors, and in-service workshops) which uses only loops of string or yarn approximately six to nine meters in length. Groups (four to six participants) then make various geometric patterns using the yarn. (JN)

Making connections becomes increasingly important as students proceed through middle school and high school. This book shows ways of embedding connective processes in instruction in grades 9-12. Problems invite mathematical modeling, unify diverse content, call for different representations, and encourage students to look back at their work to…

Presents 14 problems organized into three levels of difficulty. Topics include algebra, pattern identification, probability, and geometry. Includes solutions to the problems. (DDR)

An activity for grades 6-10 designed to allow students to explore a hundred chart to discover patterns is presented. Discussed are materials, objectives, and procedures. Three worksheets with answers are provided, and an extension activity is suggested. (CW)

Surveys the format and contents of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century arithmetic textbooks. Discusses the types of problems that were most popular in these early texts and briefly analyzes problem contents. Notes the residual educational influence of this era's arithmetical and instructional practices. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/MDH)

Some research studies, many of which used quantitative methods, have suggested that graphics calculators can be used to effectively enhance the learning of mathematics. More recently research studies have started to explore students' styles of working as they solve problems with technology. This paper describes the use of a software application…

Lecture is a common presentation style that gives instructors a lot of control over topics and time allocation, but can limit active student participation and learning. This article presents some ideas to increase the level of student involvement in lecture. The examples and suggestions are based on the author's experience as a senior lecturer for…

In order for schools to help students with learning difficulties and disabilities improve their achievement in mathematics, educators, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers need a better understanding of the evidence based on what is behind these students' difficulties in learning math. That is just what they will get with this landmark…

The authors investigate how an integrative approach can be applied to teaching of different disciplines at school. Interdisciplinarity can be defined as a process of answering a question, solving a problem or addressing a topic that is too broad to be dealt with by a single discipline. In addition to an integrated understanding of the topic, the…

Experimental studies conducted since 1980 were reviewed. Each of the 34 studies concerning problem solving is briefly summarized, followed by comments, criticisms, and/or concerns. A summary indicates that experimental research of the 1980s seems to focus on: (1) children's processes, understanding, functioning, difficulties, and representations;…

This publication should help educators provide a mathematics program that emphasizes productive time on task and active involvement of students in mathematics activities. The focus on problem solving is stressed. Time allotments are stated, followed by descriptions of essential elements for kindergarten through grade 8: understanding numbers and…

This guidebook is one in a series of teacher inservice materials. It is an effort to translate the findings of a study of problem-solving instruction in grade 7 into a set of materials that provide teachers with new knowledge about mathematical problem solving, current instructional practices, and recommendations for problem-solving instruction.…

The focus of this document is on students' understanding of symbolization processes in algebra, and specifically their understanding of semantically laden letters. In the first four sections, four inappropriate ways in which many college students use semantically laden letters are described. Evidence from clinical interview protocols demonstrate…