Although many of the word recognition skills needed to read narrative material are applicable to the language of mathematics, other specialized skills are also required to read mathematics materials. Among the factors contributing to students' problems in reading mathematics are the students' interest and motivational level, their readiness for…

This document notes that arithmetic disabilities can occur with an otherwise normal intelligence level. Two models of explanation are given. The first emphasizes the conditions under which children learn mathematics, the second views the identification of a number of factors in the "structure of intelligence" that appear to be strongly…

Presented is a guide to fifteen, 20-minute television lessons on the metric system. The guide and television series are designed to reach grade levels five through eight and the "general uninformed adult population." The guide and series are designed to help motivate people to want to know more about the metric system of measurement. The meter,…

This USMES unit challenges students to find ways to influence rules and the decision-making process in the school. The teacher resource book for the School Rules unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

This USMES unit challenges students to find ways to overcome the difficulties in getting from one place to another. The teacher resource book for the Getting There unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

A framework for research in problem solving is provided by categorizing and defining variables describing problem tasks. A model is presented in an article by Kulm for the classification of task variables into broad categories. The model attempts to draw realtionships between these categories of task variables and the stages of problem solving…

This SMSG study guide is designed to aid the teacher in acquiring familiarity with digital computer concepts or to further his/her knowledge of the field. Suitable references for important topics are categorized as central, peripheral, or advanced. Topics covered include: (1) nature and organization of computers; (2) problem analysis; (3)…

This paper directs attention to the use of the EQUATIONS game as a research tool to study certain kinds of mathematical behavior, for example, the kinds of mathematical problems which players prefer to consider and to force their opponents to consider. Mathematical equations that meet certain game rule constraints constitute a problem space. A…

Investigated was how easily pupils aged 12 and 13 who were initially unaware of the invariance of an operation (with decimals) modeling a situation could be led to such awareness. Results from clinical interviews are reviewed and a protocol presented. It appeared difficult to induce conservation. (MNS)

An activity involving the charting of the spread of a disease is described. Arrows are used to develop models of the progression of the disease. (MNS)

In this paper we consider an experiment in which 15 years old students explore a phenomenon of covariance, by using Cabri for drawing geometric figures, measuring, and sketching graphs. In this way they collect different types of information. A first research question is how students deal with them in situations of exploration, in particular,…

Get students into math using outer space! Mission Mathematics translates the NASA experience into language and experiences appropriate for young learners, and provides teachers with mathematics activities that complement many of the available NASA resources for students and educators. In these motivating investigations, young children engage in…

This booklet summarizes the mathematics chapter from "Handbook of Research on Improving Student Achievement", published by the Educational Research Service (ERS). The Handbook is based on the idea that, in order to succeed, efforts to improve instruction must focus on the existing knowledge base with respect to effective teaching and learning. The…

This issue of ENC Focus focuses on the topic of inquiry and problem solving. Featured articles include: (1) "Inquiry in the Everyday World of Schools" (Ronald D. Anderson); (2) "In the Cascade Reservoir Restoration Project Students Tackle Real-World Problems" (Clint Kennedy with Advanced Biology Students from Cascade High…

A problem-solving lesson is described, with a worksheet involving the gauges on a car's instrument panel. (MNS)