Summarizes a simple design algorithm which identifies nested loops of equations which must be solved by trial-and-error methods. The algorithm is designed to minimize such loops, provides guidance to the selection of variables, and delineates the order in which systems of equations are to be solved. Examples are included. (TW)

Findings of 79 research reports were analyzed to assess the effects of calculators on student achievement and attitudes. Except in grade four, use of calculators in concert with traditional mathematics instruction improved average students' basic skills with paper and pencil, both in working exercises and in problem solving. (MNS)

In this study, we examined 139 prospective elementary teachers' solution processes to additive word problems for which the solution is 1 more or 1 less than the answer produced by the straightforward application of the addition or subtraction of the two given numbers. For each problem, five aspects of their solution processes were examined: (a)…

This paper describes a program for minimizing students' inability to relate present day school mathematics to real-world experiences, including the high-tech communities around them. The targeted population consisted of second grade elementary students in a growing middle class community located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area in the…

This study examined the differential effects of two instructional strategies on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of mathematical word problem solving by students with learning disabilities: an explicit schema-based problem solving strategy (SBI) and a traditional general heuristic instructional strategy (TI). Twenty-two middle…

Presents a series of policy recommendations for mathematics education in the 1980s from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The emphasis is on problem solving and computer literacy as part of the education of every student. (SA)

The sequence of mathematics courses for elementary school teachers offered at the University of Montana is described. The ideas presented are noted to have worked well. (MP)

Problems in mathematics education as a social activity are the major focus of this document. Paragraphs that describe major problems in mathematics education point out at least eleven major issues as seen from the author's perspective. (MP)

A proposal to replace plane geometry with computer programming in the standard high-school mathematics curriculum is presented. (MP)

These activities explore classification and logical reasoning by providing students with opportunities to generate multiple answers and engage in multiple classifications of the same item. No solutions are suggested so that students will look to themselves as the mathematical authorities. Sample items for classification include birthday months,…

Presents an activity in which students were required to develop their own house plans, including finding the perimeter of the lot and house and calculating the total area of the house. (ASK)

An experiment involving 14 small groups of Swedish students (usually 3 per group) aged 10, 11, and 12 years shows that these students acting in groups and creating shared contextualizations were able to solve mathematics word problems calling for real-world knowledge. Research has shown students acting alone to have difficulty with the same types…

Speculates on whether our knowledge of a mathematical topic is really the same as the knowledge of the topic held by our mathematical ancestors centuries ago. Provides specific examples of using the cultural context of mathematics as an instructional strategy. (DDR)

Three activities which require a calculator with integer division capabilities are presented. In each activity, procedures and questions for discussion are included. Game boards, samples, and answers are included where appropriate. (CW)

One method of making magic squares using a prolongated square is illustrated. Discussed are third-order magic squares, fractional magic squares, fifth-order magic squares, decimal magic squares, and even magic squares. (CW)