A first grade teacher in a diverse school assessed students' abilities to solve nonroutine math problems by examining their problem-solving processes. Results show that allowing students to develop their own methods of problem solving helps them internalize the process and articulate their solutions to others, thus becoming teachers themselves.…

Discussed is the value of making writing a regular part of the mathematics curriculum. Writing skills can be used in creating word problems, bilingual classrooms, process problems, mathematics journals, and as a diagnostic tool. Included are examples of students math work and written explanations. (KR)

The performance of sixth and seventh graders on a variety of tasks involving estimation and reasonableness of results were studied. Also examined was the effect of a short unit of activities on these two topics. Correct answers approximately doubled after instruction. (MNS)

Two incidents involving novice teachers with classes in grades 7 and 10 are presented. Then considered are the nature of intuitive mathematics and contributions computers can make to such intuitive mathematics, particularly in Algebra. (MNS)

Offers seven criteria for developing mathematical thinking, plus suggestions for teaching and assessing students' progress that are compatible with each learning criterion. Provides evaluation sheets that help the teacher assess and grade students on the criteria. (10 references) (MDH)

Demonstrates the use of "Jumping the Broom," a children's book, to integrate mathematics and social studies. Discusses the use of problem solving, finding patterns, and making conjectures by studying the quilt pattern used in the story. (MKR)

This paper considers ways in which interactive video (IV) is used in mathematics classrooms in England. Teachers (n=14) chose modules from a package of 17. The three modules most used by teachers are discussed. Researchers found that IV use puts greater emphasis on process skills. (14 references) (Author/(MLB)

This article provides pedagogical techniques that require active student participation in the use of computer spreadsheets while determining recursive numerical solutions to equations. Included are several computer screen displays which illustrate the various advantages in using spreadsheets specific to synthetic division, the bisection method,…

Discusses aspects of cooperative problem solving that include the selection of appropriate problems and the grading of group and individual papers using an analytical scoring scale. Offers six tips for grading cooperative problem solving. An appendix provides solutions to cited problems, potential follow-up questions, and an annotated…

Four techniques used to incorporate writing and active learning into mathematics classrooms are described. They include summary sheets, short focused writing, medium length writing, and student presentations. Examples of how each technique can be used are included. (KR)

This article describes a calculus lesson that illustrates the nature of cycles in simple systems of nonlinear differential equations through the use of the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model as incorporated in the computer software package, Phaser (version 1.0). (JJK)

Presents teaching methods to rectify the tendency of students and even teachers to divide the smaller number into the larger in problem situations requiring division, while recognizing the impossibility of the answer in the situation. (MDH)

Described are three activities and variations that can help students to understand the concept of place value. Allowing students to use concrete materials and helping them to bridge the gap between manipulatives and paper-and-pencil tasks are emphasized. (KR)

Discussed is the idea that, if students are allowed to use calculators when doing classwork, they should be allowed to use calculators on tests. Examples of calculator-active items are presented that are designed to accurately assess students' learning. (KR)

The NCTM Standards present a picture of classroom instruction different from present practice in secondary schools. Presented are three instructional practices: (1) presenting open-ended problems, (2) communication of ideas, and (3) probing for diversity and recommendations for restructuring mathematics instruction based on the California…