Examples from almanacs are used to provide real-life problems that involve estimating, computing, and thinking. (MP)

The purpose of this paper is to present problems (and solutions) from the areas of marketing, population planning, system reliability, and mathematics to show how a computer simulation can be used as a problem-solving strategy in probability. Examples using BASIC and two methods of generating random numbers are given. (Author/MP)

A list of the basic competencies in mathematics set by the Vermont Board of Education is given and discussed. The basic competencies are grouped as follows: numeration, measurement, money, arithmetic, and reasoning. (MP)

Data show that disadvantaged students can be taught problem-solving strategies in mathematics and can reach a level of mastery in mathematical thinking that is not expected from their performance on I.Q. tests. (MP)

The technique of organizing data in tables to solve counting problems in geometry is illustrated in the solution of five problems. (MN)

Describes a hand held calculator exercise for computing the Rydberg Constant accurately. (SL)

Suggestions for improving problem-solving skills of first-grade students are made after the results of five studies of addition and subtraction story problems are presented. (JT)

A course is described which gives students experience in creating practical mathematical models of "real" problems, relating the mathematical solutions of the model to the original problem, and recognizing non-mathematical constraints on possible solution approaches. The students assume the role of industrial mathematicians while their tutors play…

To investigate the development of function concepts and their relation to mathematical and logical abilities typically acquired during the age period of five to seven years, children were tested on nonnumerical function tasks, numerical tasks, and aspects of logical reasoning. (PCB)

Described are procedures followed in developing, administering, and scoring a set of mathematical problem-solving superitems and examining their construct validity through a recently developed evaluation technique associated with a taxonomy of the structure of learned outcomes. Data strongly support the validity of the underlying theoretical…

Reports results obtained when 24 14-year-old students were presented with algebra tasks by a computer-based modeling system and, four months later, comparable paper and pencil tests together with detailed interviews. Comparison of the results revealed profound misunderstandings of algebraic notation and identified classes of strategies used by…

Determined whether chemistry students (N=332) understood analog tasks that could be used for teaching the mole concept. Also identified possible difficulties that students might have in solving mole problems. Seven major conclusions are reported and discussed, including the finding that two-step problems were more difficult to solve than one-step…

The authors hypothesize that a means-end strategy places a load on cognitive processing capacity which retards knowledge acquisition. Three experiments using trigonometry problems with high school students were conducted in which the problem goal was modified to disrupt strategy used by novices. Results supported the authors' hypothesis.…

Discusses collaborative work as part of the school reform movement. Includes case examples of five collaborative programs. Also provides a list of guidelines for developing collaborative programs. (MD)

Mid-year assessment produced significantly greater results in mastered skills and problem solving by 12 learning disabled (LD) students with 40 minutes daily instruction in the SPARK-80 Computerized Mathematics System on Radio Shack terminals as opposed to nine LD students with traditional resource room mathematics instruction by experienced…