Describes qualitative aspects of explicit and less explicit explanations of cognitive reasoning processes associated with mathematical problem solving strategies. Includes lesson excerpts to illustrate three major differences between explicit and less explicit explanations. (MG)

Discusses elementary school mathematics instruction and describes the design and construction of a database with nonroutine problem-solving situations. A classification for the problems is explained, and use of the database at Indiana University and its potential use by elementary school teachers are described. (four references) (LRW)

Considers children's literature as a tool for teaching mathematics. Ways that children's literature can help achieve the goals established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are discussed, and use of children's books to explore topics such as measurement, multiplication, estimation, and subtraction is examined. A bibliography of 41…

A study demonstrated that the problem-solving ability of 45 first grade, Hispanic, bilingual children was related to the semantic structures of word problems in a similar manner for both of the children's languages and in a manner similar to that of monolingual speakers. (Author/LB)

Two groups of adolescents (n=36) with learning difficulties in mathematics were taught problem-solving skills under two conditions: standard word problems or contextualized problems on videodisc. Both groups improved their performance, but students in the contextualized problem group did significantly better on the contextualized problem posttest…

Presents an activity suitable for rainy days in which students solve a story problem to determine how fast a person should run in the rain to get the least wet. (MDH)

Examined the differential effects of two instructional strategies (explicit schema-based and traditional-based) on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of mathematical word problem solving among elementary students at risk or with mild disabilities. Pretesting and posttesting indicated that both groups' performance increased from…

Discusses two approaches to solving word problems that consider the verbal text of the problem, and analyze it to obtain its mathematical expression, as well as its numerical solution. Uses two computerized programs for word problems to capture the various strategies employed by the problem solvers. Contains 21 references. (Author/ASK)

This article describes "Solve It!," a research-based instructional program for middle school students who have difficulty with mathematical word problems. It describes the theoretical framework of the program, reviews research on the program, presents an overview of the program, and discusses implementation issues such as finding time for…

A study examined understanding of number line concepts by 4th grade culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students (n=30), students with learning disabilities (n=23), and 21 controls. CLD students with disabilities demonstrated difficulty due to several factors beyond lack of language competence, including failure to apply number lines to…

This study identified cognitive processes that underlie individual differences in working memory (WM) and mathematical problem-solution accuracy in elementary school children at risk and not at risk for serious math difficulties (SMD). A battery of tests was administered that assessed problem solving, achievement, and cognitive processing in…

In this paper we discuss a variety of writing, reading and assessment techniques used in an elementary problem-solving class for pre-service K-8 teachers at Western Oregon University. We share our experience in teaching problem-solving strategies through selection and creation of quality word problems, problem-solving assessment and the Oregon…

The study investigates the relationship between memory updating and arithmetic word problem solving. Two groups of 35 fourth graders with high and low memory-updating abilities were selected from a sample of 89 children on the basis of an updating task used by Palladino et al. ["Memory & Cognition" 29 (2002) 344]. The two groups were…

The authors conducted design or classroom experiments (R. Gersten, S. Baker, & J. W. Lloyd, 2000) at 2 sites (Pennsylvania and Florida) to test the effectiveness of schema-based instruction (SBI) prior to conducting formal experimental studies. Results of Study 1 conducted in 2 3rd-grade, low-ability classrooms and 1 special education…

"Saxon Math" curricula and materials are available for grades K through 12, with the content and skills designed to meet National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and various state standards. This WWC report focuses on middle school math curricula, defined as all Saxon Math curricula for grades 6 through 9. The…