Demonstrates how teachers can move their students from the novice into the expert range of problem-solving strategies. Utilizes a problem-solving model that follows how such skills develop. (DDR)

Middle school teachers (n=53) and prospective secondary teachers (n=28) posed problems related to billiards before and after solving a sample problem. Found systematic problem generation and more problems posed before solving a sample problem. Posed problems were not always solvable. (MTE)

Methods for teaching problem-solving strategies for word problems to students with learning disabilities are described in the context of the 1989 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Examples are given for using the specific strategies of diagrams, ratio equations, tables, and inverse operation…

Evaluation of the ability of 77 students who are moderately to profoundly deaf to solve arithmetic word problems found that students who are deaf experienced delays in successful work problem performance. Results support the idea that the delayed language acquisition of this population affects their capacity to solve arithmetic word problems.…

Presents a problem-solving activity, the birth order problem, and several solution-seeking strategies. Includes responses of current and prospective teachers and a comparison of various strategies. (YDS)

This special section on cognition and mathematics contains an introduction and 13 articles on advances in the psychology of mathematics learning. The articles focus on how students learn to solve mathematics problems, including arithmetic computation problems, arithmetic word problems, and computer programing problems. (SLD)

Classifies children's solution strategies by degree of abstraction and by use of physical objects. Children in grades one, two, and three were given two multiplication and four division word problems that differed in semantic structure. (Author/YP)

Investigates to what extent contextual changes in the meaning of the concept of "week" causes problems for children in the fifth and sixth grades. Reports that poor performing children have difficulties in finding the proper semantic referent. (YP)

Examines the students' understanding of mathematical structure and the relationship between problem solving and the identification of the structure in 13 word problems. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to assess how subjects organized word problems in their minds. (YP)

Encourages classroom teachers to improve their students' reading and reasoning skills by helping them to interpret math problems correctly. (RAE)

Provides guidelines for developing and implementing lessons using selections from children's literature as meaningful and appropriate contexts for solving word problems. Selection procedures, materials for constructing the characters, and two sample problems are provided. Lists 15 references. (YP)

A problem-solving approach is developed for secondary or college students to estimate the number of piano tuners in a large city. The answer and method are analyzed for appropriateness. Four similar problems are suggested. (DC)

Presents a scenario using an animal word problem and illustrates how kindergarten classrooms can become rich environments to develop students' mathematical power. Presents student solutions. (MKR)

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)

Presents results of a study to determine the effect of type-size on the mathematical problem-solving achievement of first, second, and third graders (n=259). Analysis of variance indicated that no significant differences in achievement existed. Concludes that textbooks can utilize smaller type sizes on word problems. (MDH)