This publication provides a comprehensive interpretation of the second mathematics assessment completed during the 1977-78 school year by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP results suggest strong implications for the mathematics curriculum of the 1980's that mathematics educators need to evaluate with care. The…

The uses of verbal rules in solving arithmetic problems are presented. Thirty-six problems were used in individual testing of five students who were enrolled in a remedial mathematics course at a community college. Two or three weeks prior to the individual exams, the students had been tested in their class on the material. The study indicated…

Describes a hierarchical system of problem-solving strategies employed for the solution of a specific kind of problem about speed. Presents the results of 563 high school students tested with problems relating to distance, speed, and time. Provides a rationale for the methods used. (TW)

The needs of above-average junior high school students are discussed. A set of 'daily twisters,' or problems of various types, were collected, and examples are noted. Recommendations on content and pedagogy are described. (MNS)

Some specific uses of microcomputers in mathematics instruction are presented. Included are examples for generating data and patterns, checking, practice of various types, developing understanding, comparing results, simulation of experiments, introducing new ideas, solving problems, and extending into new areas. Brief computer programs are given.…

A study examined and explored the importance of language in successful math problem-solving. The participants of the study were 24 fourth-grade students in a public elementary school in an urban area. Students were instructed in solving math word problems with a variety of strategies ranging from task specific, procedural methods to…

The activation of real-world knowledge displayed by 91 Japanese fifth graders in solving school mathematics problems was compared to that of 75 previously studied Belgian students. Children in both cultures had a similar tendency to neglect common sense knowledge and realistic considerations as they attempted to solve word problems. (SLD)

Described is a strategy where students write stories to help in the process of solving problems. The strategy is a five-step process which includes prewriting, writing, conference, revising and editing, and publication. (KR)

Described is a learning activity which incorporates computer programing and the teaching of arrays. Using the newspaper as a source for ideas for programing assignments and classroom examples is emphasized. (KR)

Forty first-grade teachers' pedagogical content knowledge of children's solutions of addition and subtraction word problems was investigated. Most teachers could identify many of the critical distinctions between problems, and the primary strategies used to solve them, but did not have a coherent organizational scheme. (MNS)

Presents five activities for the family and K-2, 4-3, 5-6, and 7-8 levels that focus on the connection between mathematics and music. Activities examine the mathematical concepts of counting, estimation, measurement, statistics, fractions, and patterns involved in the topics of rhythm, beats in a measure, music preference, the music scale, and…

Illustrates and discusses one class of strategies to solve word problems referred to as "number-consideration strategies." Contrasts actions and goals of students who focus mainly on number considerations with those of students who focus mainly on problem understanding. (MDH)

Presents 5 school and home activities for the K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 levels appropriate for beginning the school year that incorporate problem solving, collecting and analyzing data, and exploring patterns. Topics include a shopping spree, seat assignment, map-interpretation skills, and probability. Includes reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

A workshop is described in which students design various shapes from the basic rectangle. The polypopagon is used as an example of something that can be made out of simple, everyday materials yet be related to the greater, integrated enterprise of discovery and invention. Directions for making polypopagons are included. (KR)

The quadratic function can be modeled in real life by a suspension bridge that supports a uniform weight. This activity uses concrete models and computer generated graphs to discover the mathematical model of the shape of the main cable of a suspension bridge. (MDH)