Investigated individual differences in (n=100) 10th-grade students' forms of visual thinking and related intuitions in the context of mathematical problem solving. Results suggest that success at problem solving was related to logical operational ability but not to vividness of visual imagery. (29 references) (Author/SYB)

Evaluation of 95 students in grades 3 and 6 on measures of mathematics anxiety, test anxiety, and attitudes toward mathematics found that test and problem-solving anxiety took 2 distinct forms. Mathematics test anxiety increased with age relative to problem-solving anxiety. (SLD)

The on-off settings of a series of eight switches determines the code to open garage doors. Presented are two problems asking the probability that two people would have the same garage door opener code or whether a specific person would have the same code as another person in the neighborhood. (MDH)

This article discusses the fourth step in a process for solving mathematics problems--verifying the plan of action for solving the problem and developing the plan of action into an equation. The lesson plan included reviews the first three steps in the problem-solving process and provides directed instruction guidelines. (JDD)

Applies Pascal's Triangle to determine the number of ways in which a given team can win a playoff series of differing lengths. Presents the solutions for one-, three-, five-, seven-, and nine-game series, and extends the solution to the general case for any series. (MDH)

A five-step hierarchy for problem solving in mathematical word problems, called SOLVE, involves Study the problem, Organize data, Line up a plan, Verify plan, and Evaluate the match. Implementing the SOLVE strategies enables teachers to assess and teach skills needed by students with mild disabilities and improves students' success rates.…

Presents a problem-solving activity in which students are asked to find the shortest distance from one vertex of a cube to the vertex diagonally opposite by moving along the surface of the cube. Extends the problem for any rectangular solid. (MDH)

A study was arranged in a pre/postexperimental/control design, in which fifth graders in the experimental group viewed 30 half-hour telecasts of "Square One TV." Results indicated significant gains for the treatment group both in diversity of problem-solving capabilities and in measures of completeness and sophistication of mathematical…

This article recommends a holistic approach to student problems in mathematics. Teachers need to be aware of all paradigms (e.g., developmental, behaviorist, psychoanalytic) explaining causes of problems in mathematics. Examples of misunderstandings resulting from insufficient knowledge, insufficient mathematical vocabulary, and overgeneralization…

Presents an example with multiple solutions that illustrates connections between mathematics and the real world. Considers five possible methods by which the voting for a convention delegate might be performed. (MDH)

The errors and strategies made by students who consistently use the incorrect-addition strategy on "hard" ratio tasks were investigated. The characteristics of these "adders," such as awareness of noninteger multiples, the use of fractions and decimals, awareness of both within and between ratios, and distinguishing nonratio…

Presents a model that relates Polya's ideas on problem solving to teaching practices that help create a mathematics learning environment in which students are actively involved in doing mathematics. Illustrates the model utilizing a high school geometry problem that asks students to measure the width of a river. (MDH)

Results of this study of 30 middle school students with learning disabilities indicated that, despite a positive attitude toward mathematics, subjects differed from average-achieving and gifted students in general mathematical achievement and problem-solving ability. Mathematical problem solving was related to ability to represent problems and…

A primary math activity teaches students counting and classifying using a book about a mother and child who tour a farm at midnight. An intermediate math activity teaches logical reasoning through a story problem in which students must use information from a story to figure out an answer. (SM)

Three classes of middle-school students who received one year of problem-solving instruction (n=74) were compared with three classes who were taught in a more traditional manner (n=63). Students receiving problem-solving instruction showed more perseverance in solving problems, more positive attitudes, and more sophisticated definitions of…