The direct quote word problem from scientific literature is suggested as a means of demonstrating the relevance of mathematics to other fields. (MP)

Analyzed are textbook word problems that are typically used as applications of mathematics and shows some of the difficulties in making these problems realistic. A discussion and examples of sources of genuine mathematical applications in real life follows. (MN)

Misconceptions that children exhibit about area concepts are identified. Diagnostic teaching suggestions are given. (JT)

Children between the ages of 10 and 13 were asked to write stories to accompany five computational problems. Stories were scored for suitability and it was found that students were most successful on subtraction and least successful on multiplication stories. Scores on this test correlated with mathematics achievement scores. (SD)

The article details a process to develop and test an instructional program designed to teach learning disabled students the procedural, process, and task specific knowledge necessary to solve four kinds of arithmetic story problems. Single subject and group research designs were used to evaluate the problem solving unit. (Author/DB)

Discusses strategic teaching, a process for organizing and representing subject content, for helping students think about their own learning processes, for organizing skills instruction, and for managing classroom instruction. Provides an example of strategic instructional planning and a graphic that shows step-by-step procedures for the planning…

Defines one approach to problem solving in terms of student use of algorithms to find their solutions and gives examples. Discusses how problems and algorithms relate to each other. Describes strategies for teaching problem solving using algorithms. (CW)

Second and third graders from six Dutch elementary schools (N = 168) solved two sets of almost identical addition and subtraction sums at a two-week interval. Inconsistency in strategies, which characterized half the subjects, was related to unfamiliar sums and resulted in misinterpreted errors. (TJH)

Documents the different problem-solving styles and approaches of two first-grade children having strong mathematical abilities. One child demonstrated an extrinsic, algorithmic style of problem-solving, while the other used an intrinsic, individual-in-control style. (NH)

Reviews several sources of published materials which contain learning objectives for general problem solving as well as problem solving in mathematics, science, and computer science. Lists of objectives are included where appropriate. (JN)

Nine experiments were performed to verify and extend studies on sex differences in problem solving conducted in the 1950s by Sweeney, Carey, Milton, Nakamura, and Berry. A 20-item problem set was administered to over 1,000 college students. Results indicated a male advantage, averaging 35 percent, virtually identical with 1950s results. (Author/BS)

Reports findings of a study demonstrating that language experience techniques can help students comprehend math story problems and successfully apply the mathematical concepts necessary for their solution. (FL)

Problem-solving can be an exercise in mystification for some students. Six suggestions are given for presenting word problems in mathematics in ways that make them more accessible and comprehensible for young students. (PP)

Mathematics textbooks should encourage students to understand--as well as to memorize--problem-solving processes, to think about the reasonableness of an answer, and to "see" mathematics through real-life applications. Eight questions are given which can help schools determine whether a textbook truly emphasizes problem-solving. (PP)

This paper reports on methods of students' justifications of their solution to a problem in the area of combinatorics. From the analysis of the problem solving of 150 students in a variety of settings from high-school to graduate study, four major forms of reasoning evolved: (1) Justification by Cases, (2) Inductive Argument, (3) Elimination…