Hypotheses from self-efficacy theory in the area of children's arithmetic achievement were tested. It was hypothesized that compared with didactic instruction, cognitive modeling would result in higher arithmetic achievement, self-efficacy, and accuracy of self-appraisal. (Author/GK)

We should not, in the name of "back to basics," regress to the old methodologies of memorization and drill. Computational skills must be thoroughly developed, but mathematics should also be taught in a way that will enhance thinking skills and problem solving in an enjoyable atmosphere. (Author/SJL)

The effects of two item formats on item difficulty and item discrimination indices for mathematics problem solving multiple-choice tests were investigated. One format required identifying the proper "set-up" for the item; the other format required complete solving of the item. (Author/JKS)

Although mathematics avoidance and mathematics anxiety are not unknown among men and boys, stressful experiences with mathematics are particularly pronounced in girls and women. Many educating and governing institutions will have to work together if efforts to alleviate mathematics anxiety are to pay off. (CJ)

Describes a study investigating the combined effect of certain variables on student achievement in classical mechanics. The purpose was to (1) describe preinstructional knowledge and skills; (2) correlate these variables with the student's success in learning classical mechanics; and (3) develop hypothesis about relationships between these…

Studied the relationship between gender and mathematical problem solving in 83 male and 76 female high achieving Canadian 12-year-olds. Gender differences were found on the Canadian Test of Basic Skills but not on the GAUSS assessment. Implications for the discussion of the origin of gender differences in mathematics are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a study of young children's thinking about numbers and operations with numbers. Issues explored include how young students interpret mathematical questions, aspects having to do with the language of mathematics, the mathematical potential of some children, and the range of procedures that children use when solving problems. Stresses…

Discusses the similarities in learning outcomes from two very different environments: a research group and a problem-solving course. Provides examples that characterize the two environments and that point to similarities in outcomes. Speculates about why such similarities exist. (DDR)

A teaching experiment involving 30 third graders investigated the transformation of their concepts of numbers. Observations of their notations and problem-solving procedures show development that progresses from a focus on states to a type of reasoning in which changes become quantifiable "objects of awareness." (SLD)

Tested the effects of prior knowledge and two instructional models--structured problem solving and guided generation (GG)--on mathematical problem solving and transfer to an analogous task. Data on students with high and low prior knowledge highlighted significant main effects for prior knowledge, significant differences on transfer to analogous…

Shows the potential of using interactive geometry software to produce a natural environment for formulating and pursuing questions that arise in the course of solving problems. (KHR)

Explores the challenge of providing all future citizens with an appropriate quantitative literacy by means of teaching mathematics through useful applications with local and global perspectives. (Author/KHR)

Discusses difficulties students with hearing impairments have in math computation and in solving problems with verbal cues. Programs and texts are described that teach math visually and kinesthetically and encourage students to find different approaches to the same problem. An illustration of a mathematical concept is included. (CR)

A recent survey questions whether mathematics teachers in Arizona view math content as dynamic or process-oriented. Less than half used state curriculum guidelines, and few reported knowledge of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' emphases on mathematical processes related to problem solving or reasoning. Teachers seem unaware of their…

Examines Italian high school student beliefs about mathematics and mathematical problem solving by exploring the use of a 36-item self report questionnaire. Reports that a substantial replication of the instruments, with exception of one scale, was not reliable. Finds that the four scales predicted achievement in mathematics to different extents.…