Describes the mathematical needs of electricians and in so doing, indicates where the trainers of electricians strike a balance between skills, understanding, and problem solving. (KHR)

Describes ways in which general mathematics instruction for students with learning disabilities can focus on math skills needed in daily life in the home, community, and on the job. A table charts the math skills needed for specific life demands. Also addresses life-skills math in the context of reform and curricular considerations. (DB)

Elementary combinatorial problems may be classified into three different combinatorial models: (1) selection; (2) partition; and (3) distribution. The main goal of this research was to determine the effect of the implicit combinatorial model on pupils' combinatorial reasoning before and after instruction. Gives an analysis of variance of the…

Presents ways of using fanciful stories to engage students in mathematical problem solving. (KHR)

Describes experiences and several strategies for developing discourse in the classroom through problem solving and context. (KHR)

Describes how to evaluate trade books (i.e., books other than textbooks) that are oriented towards teaching mathematics. (Contains 22 references.) (Author)

Illustrates a modeling approach used by Singapore educators to teach mathematical skills and concepts in a problem-solving environment. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Discusses examples of the detailed explanations that students offered in response to a written, open-ended geometry task, especially the ways in which students communicated their knowledge. Illustrates how different students may select different methods of communication such as using text, diagrams, or mathematical symbols to display their…

Illustrates the varied mathematical reasoning involved when a geometric construction problem is solved with three different manipulative tools. (Author/NB)

Investigates children's knowledge of concrete versions of additive composition, commutativity, and associativity. Reports that in study one, four-to five-year-olds (n=24) and five- to six-year-olds (n=25) judged the equivalence of conceptually related addition problems using groups of objects. States that in study two, five- to six-year-olds…

Discusses a team-oriented formal testing method used in a mathematical modeling course taught during the Alma College intensive spring term. Asks the question, If a collaborative teaching method is used, how does one assess students' acquisition of problem-solving and mathematical-thinking skills? (Author/MM)

Discusses the use of the recursive method to permutations of n objects and a problem making c cents in change using pennies and nickels when order is important. Presents a LOGO program for the examples. (YP)

Explains the effects of self-monitoring and reinforcement on problem solving performance. Groups of 30 high self-monitors and 30 low self-monitors were divided randomly into cells which received either positive reinforcement or negative feedback, or served as the control. Finds a significant difference in general problem solving ability. (KO)

Twelve adolescents with learning disabilities were trained to use a cognitive strategy in algebra problem solving. The two-phase strategy (problem representation and problem solution) was effective in improving algebra performance on algebra word problems, and maintenance and transfer of the strategy were evident. (JDD)

Presents a few examples of not-so-traditional problems that can be very helpful in teaching some particular concepts or approaches in physics. Problem sets include vector addition and vector components, reference frames, and choosing the right approximations. (JRH)