Recent research in mathematics instruction underscores the importance of problem solving and higher-level thinking. This article presents four themes in instruction for students with learning disabilities: (1) provide a broad, balanced mathematics curriculum; (2) engage students in meaningful problem tasks; (3) accommodate diverse learning styles;…

The mathematics self-efficacy and problem-solving performance of 327 middle school students were assessed with multiple-choice and open-ended methods. No differences in self-efficacy resulted from the different forms of assessment, although those who took the multiple-choice test had higher scores and better calibration of ability. (SLD)

Describes a study that investigates the relationship between secondary students' written responses and the mathematical and cognitive processing used when solving a complex problem. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

Focuses on mental strategies for computing in the middle grades. Describes what they are and why they are important. Refers to relevant research and presents some teaching ideas for developing these strategies beyond the primary grades. Includes a discussion of the role of mental calculation in everyday life both past and future. Contains 27…

Describes how to use a well-known book, "Caps for Sale", with children as a springboard for mathematical problem solving. Presents patterning problems, problems created by the student, problems with a known total and unknown parts, and problems with known parts and an unknown total. (KHR)

Discusses an approach to learning that uses well-selected problems to capture student interest and challenge their intellect. Presents an example of the problem-centered approach and discusses ways in which it helps all students learn important mathematical concepts and skills. (KHR)

This article describes how gifted primary children can play with and extend mathematical concepts when guided with appropriate leading questions that scaffold their explorations. Suggested activities help children explore binary numbers, triangular numbers, squares and square roots, prime numbers, fractions, percentage, ratios, calculator work,…

Discusses social and cognitive influences on understanding and solving word problems. Descriptions of studies with elementary school, secondary school, and college students highlight subject matter-related attitudes; the fact that students can solve problems without understanding them; and contextual expectations, including the issue of authority.…

To help future graduates cope with a twenty-first century era dominated by computers, worldwide communication, and a global economy, mathematics teachers must change their curricula, teaching methods, and assessment techniques. Students must learn to value mathematics, reason and communicate mathematically, solve problems, and develop confidence.…

Using a computerized logic course employing the Carnegie Mellon Proof Tutor problem-solving environment, crucial features of computer environments were isolated and relative pedagogical effectiveness was assessed. Students used computerized environments to construct proofs and were presented with identical course materials on sentential logic. The…

Demonstrates and compares three commercially available statistical software packages, Statistics Workshop, Data Insights, and Data Desk, using a five-component investigation model to analyze a problem about hat sizes. (MKR)

Stresses the importance of teaching physics concepts over having students work on word problems. (MVL)

Beliefs about mathematics of 26 junior and senior high school students were explored using interviews conducted before and after exposure to problem-solving software. A concept model of subjects' general beliefs about mathematics and their relationships was developed. Data analysis did not indicate any change in beliefs about mathematics following…

Results of this evaluation study did not find that attribution retraining (embedded within a mathematics computer-assisted instructional program) had a significant impact on the attributions of 29 students with learning disabilities. However, students in the attribution retraining condition did complete more program levels and scored higher on…

Argues that computers are a medium through which different styles of scientific thought can be observed. Presents cases of women whose learning styles differ from the way that programing and problem solving in computer-related activities are taught. Concludes that technological developments involving object-oriented programing have created an…