Students were asked to make up a mathematics problem that would be difficult for a friend to solve: a subsample of 11- to 13-year-olds was interviewed as they solved the problems. Made-up problems were found to be a useful tool for studying mathematically talented children. (MNS)

Sixteen Brazilian third graders aged 8-13 were given problems involving multidigit computation. School-taught algorithms were likely to be used in school-taught problems, with little carry-over to real problem situations, but resulted in more incorrect answers. (MNS)

An activity is described as an example of an application that draws on the behavior of current in electrical circuits to create a symbolic algebra. Five worksheets are included, with discussion of their use. (MNS)

The need of learning-disabled students for more than extensive practice is discussed. The rigid thinking and error reinforcement that may result are noted, and a solution involving the analysis of students' needs is described in some detail. (MNS)

This study concerned conceptual difficulties of college students learning programming and ways the teacher can simplify the process. An analysis of general strategies used in solving problems involving loops is given, with four types of hierarchical strategy categorized. Students had difficulty transforming their algebraic descriptions into…

Directions are given for making comprehension guides to help students comprehend word problems. Samples for two problems are given, and uses are discussed. (MNS)

The problem of controlling the grizzly bear population at Yellowstone is described. The results are presented in graphical form and discussed. A computer program is included. (MNS)

TK!Solver is a general purpose problem-solving tool allowing users to enter sets of equations that characterize problem areas in a variety of mathematically-oriented fields (finance, engineering, physics, economics). Indicates that this latest version alleviates problems found in the initial version, in particular with speed, now faster in all…

Eight problems in each of three formats were administered to 854 students in grades three through seven. Readers of high ability chose correct operations more often than low-ability readers. The drawn format was easier than the other two formats; its advantage was greater for low-ability readers than high-ability readers. (MNS)

How to take photographic slides of computer software for demonstration to large groups is explained in the first portion of this column. Then follow items on a Pythagorean curiosity and a computer approach to a nonroutine problem. (MNS)

The use of trial-and-error strategies to solve problems is endorsed. Types of problems with which trial and error is effective are discussed, with examples of how it is used, and teaching considerations are briefly considered. A computer program for one problem is included. (MNS)

Research on the effectiveness of microcomputer software for drill and practice is briefly summarized, as well as research on other ways of using microcomputers. (MNS)

Students in grades three to seven were given tests on which problems were presented in either verbal or telegraphic format. Only in grade six was a significant difference found, favoring the verbal format. Problems with conventional syntax appeared to be easier to interpret than those with bare bones syntax. (MNS)

Thirty-five students from all ability levels in the first and second year of secondary school were interviewed to determine their understanding of appropriate application of number operations. Results of the interviews are classified into five different levels of understanding. (DT)

In this paper, we will discuss the way various features of consciousness interact with each other and with cognition, specifically, the cognition of mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Thus we are interested in how consciousness and cognition "work," in a somewhat mechanistic way, rather than in larger philosophical questions about…