Since 1997 the Ministry of Education in Mexico has been sponsoring a national project in which technology (computers and TI-92 calculators) is used to support the teaching of mathematics at secondary school level (children aged 12 to 15 years old). One of our concerns during this project was to investigate if its implementation affects some of the…

Attitudes of pre- and in-service teachers toward problem solving are discussed, and how to provide successful problem-solving experiences is described. Both formal and informal methods are included. (MNS)

The president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics argues that many mathematics textbooks feature unrealistic problems that do not teach problem solving or mathematical thinking. Realistic activities and games which will teach children to think are described, as are methods for teaching essential mathematics skills. (PP)

Two grade 4 classes provided subjects for a study in the teaching of estimation in computation. A second study was conducted with two grade 5 and two grade 6 classes that supported the idea that estimation in whole number computation can be taught in a short period of time. (MP)

Six major categories encompassing the various ways in which computers can be used to enhance mathematics education are listed and described. Examples of problem solving, drill and practice, management of instruction, and tutorial applications are followed by predictions about the future of instructional computing in mathematics education.…

An attempt to make problem solving a real part of the mathematics program in a second-grade classroom is described. It is felt that teachers can aid children in establishing attitudes of willingness to take risks and tackle unfamiliar tasks by focusing early on problem solving as a process. (MP)

Efforts directed to emphasizing problem solving and using the immediate environment to create problem situations are described. Teachers are urged to incorporate problem-solving activities in their instruction. (MP)

Mathematical problems associated with computing the proper apportionment of Representatives to the United States Congress are reviewed. (MP)

A computer program named BUGGY is described. The program is designed to duplicate "traditional" student mathematical mistakes; pupils are to identify the nature of the errors the computer makes. (MP)

Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress related to student ability to use information from graphs and charts is discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Several types of problems designed to provide opportunities for mathematically able students to do original and analytic thinking at grades 3 and 4 while reinforcing numeration and computation skills are presented. (MP)

Presents the text of a message sent to Susan Gerofsky by Robert Thomas after reading her article on a linguistic and narrative view of word problems in mathematics education. Gerofsky's response is also included. (DDR)

Describes a statewide project in Vermont in which teachers developed a scoring rubric containing criteria that promote a common understanding of what constitutes effective problem solving and the assessment of effective problem solving. (DDR)

Academic Systems Corporation is successfully producing courseware in beginning, intermediate, and college algebra using mediated learning, which provides students with instruction and exercises and teachers with feedback on student progress. The courses present students with real-world problems to solve. Users find the courses pedagogically sound…