Measure Up is a research and development project that uses findings from Davydov (1975) and others to introduce mathematics through measurement and algebra in grades 1-3. This paper illustrates the use of generalized diagrams and symbols in solving word problems for a group of 10 children selected from a grade 3 Measure Up classroom. Students use…

This report describes a program for improving students' comprehension of the language of mathematical problems. The targeted population consists of 5th and 6th grade multi-age students and multi-age learners with special needs at a middle school located outside a major city in a Midwestern community. Evidence for the existence of this problem…

This study examined the role of dynamic assessment involving specific and general instructional strategies on expert and novice third graders' error patterns in solving part-whole mathematics word problems. The assessment showed that novices in general required more prompts than did experts. Experts in the specific strategy group had decreased…

Illustrates the diverse ways in which the computer spreadsheet can be used by both teachers and students as a problem-solving tool in high school mathematics, and provides detailed examples of spreadsheet use in word problems. Discusses the functions of spreadsheet tables, columns, and graphs. (AEF)

This study evaluated a six-step strategy for solving mathematical word problems and partnered practice with 24 third-grade students with mild disabilities. Measures of process (use of the strategy regardless of correctness of answer) and product (finding correct answers) was significantly better than controls. Students' and teachers' attitudes…

Investigated was the effect of presenting arithmetic word problems in the students' native language or in English on Nigerian students mathematics skills and strategies. Findings indicated that both private and public school students performed better when the word problems were presented in their native language. (CW)

Two classes of second graders (24 high and 19 average math ability students) were taught to use differing schematic drawings to represent differing categories of addition and subtraction word problems. Results indicate that American textbooks could include many more difficult word problems than is currently the case. (TJH)

Ten teachers successfully taught first- and second-grade children to count up while keeping track with finger patterns. Learning to subtract by counting up greatly improved children's performance on take-away, compare, and equalize word problems, and enabled them to accelerate by as much as three years their learning of subtraction topics. (MNS)

This study examined the verbalizations of 90 middle school students as they thought aloud while solving mathematical word problems. Results indicated that students with learning disabilities (LD) and average achievers were less strategic in approaching mathematical problem solving than gifted students, and LD students approached problem solving in…

These reflections by the authors of a paper (EC 611 427) on computer-assisted instruction of students with learning disabilities comment on their reanalysis of the research process and their interpretations of the unanticipated results. Implications for further research on the cost effectiveness of learning-strategy training versus time-on-task…

Pragmatic and semantic problem solving are examined as processes that enhance acquisition of mathematical knowledge. It is suggested that development of mathematical cognition involves restructuring and that math teachers can help restructure children's knowledge systems by providing them with situations in which semantic and pragmatic problem…

Investigated the effect of problem wording on solving arithmetic word problems by first graders. Found that wording is a crucial component in solving difference problems. Results suggest that further research on word problem-solving processes focus on the interaction between linguistic comprehension and mathematical reasoning. (AA)

This article describes a problem-solving strategy unit to be used as a supplement to the regular mathematics curriculum at the primary level. Specific teaching steps and examples are given for three developmental stages of thinking: (1) concrete, (2) representational, and (3) abstract. (DB)

High school students (n=295) were administered variants of the student-professor problem to ascertain whether errors could be traced to implicit versus explicit relationships between the variables. Concludes that implicit variable relationship problems were harder than explicit variable relationship problems. A follow-up study to explore why is…

Four fifth and sixth grade students with learning disabilities were taught a strategy for comprehending word problems and devising appropriate solutions. Following instruction performance on mixed sets of addition and subtraction word problems improved. Although generalization to a different setting occurred, maintenance was mixed. (Author/DB)