Dynamic assessment (DA) involves helping students learn a task and indexing responsiveness to that instruction as a measure of learning potential. The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of a DA of algebraic learning in predicting third graders' development of mathematics problem solving. In the fall, 122 third-grade students were…

A project adapted an existing problem-solving curriculum to help unemployed or underemployed displaced homemakers and single parents qualify for job placement and training. Forty-five adult learners from the New Choice program participated. Handouts adapted from a prior Math Employment project and instructor-created materials were used. Handouts…

Fifty-five college students participated in a study investigating the effect of field dependence and time limitations on the solution of mathematics word problems and visual interpretation problems. Field-independent (n=25) and field-dependent (n=30) subjects represented the upper and lower thirds on the Hidden Figures Test. Field-independent…

Second graders (n=60) and adults (n=60 college students) solved word problems containing relevant information, irrelevant numeric information, and nonrelevant linguistic information. Recall and recognition tasks, along with cued and uncued word stem completion were used to test subjects' memory for relevant versus nonrelevant information. Recall…

This report analyzes the discursive interactions of four students to understand what heuristic methods they develop as well as how and why they build isomorphisms to resolve a combinatorial problem set in a non-Euclidian context. The findings suggest that results of their heuristic actions lead them to build isomorphisms that in turn allow them to…

Primary students solve "oversized" story problems using drawings, equations, and written responses, helping them understand the links between the language of story problems and the numerical representations of matching equations. The activity also includes oral language and reflective writing, thus bringing together a variety of language…

This document is concerned with developing an understanding of problem solving by providing tasks to help students with their problem solving strategies. These tasks were used by Vermont teachers during the pilot years of the High School Mathematics Assessment and were selected by attendees of the June, 1995 Research Scoring meeting. Tasks are…

Presents 12 questions related to a given real-life situation about a man shaving and the number of hairs in his beard in order to help students see the connection between mathematics and the world around them. (ASK)

Describes a classroom activity designed to give students hands-on experience using technology and geometric visualization, as well as to explore fractal geometry in a cooperative classroom environment. Natural phenomena is the context of these activities. Enriches understanding of Euclidean geometry and infinite sequences. Lists materials,…

Presents a quilting problem that engages students at many levels, has multiple possible solution paths, lends itself to a variety of representations, and connects many mathematical ideas. (KHR)

Presents student solutions to real-world problems that allow students to develop and defend their mathematical models of the situations. Elicits proofs and offers recommendations for the potential of real-world problems as contexts for proof. (KHR)

Examines teachers' judgments of the difficulties of algebra problems. Offers classroom-tested instructional approaches that build directly on students' mathematical intuitions and inventions. (KHR)

Describes a mathematics trail created on the campus of Exeter Academy and in the town of Exeter, New Hampshire. A series of problems and puzzles enabled teachers to teach mathematics outdoors. Novel questions were created to permit students to look at things from a different perspective. Participants were often inspired to create questions of…

Presents solutions at several different levels of sophistication for a problem involving 10 stools arranged in a row at a diner: how many different ways can the ten stools be occupied, discounting which of three persons sit on any stool, so that at least one stool is between two people? (AIM)

Proposes a word problem concerning placing students around triangular tables. Students must determine how to place the touching tables so that everyone can be seated. (KHR)