This study investigated the effectiveness of LOGO's turtle graphics in both providing a model of systematic thought and in teaching simple geometry to young children in the second grade. The treatment given to 25 second grade students in the experimental group consisted of programming with LOGO's turtle graphics using four Apple II+…

This manual offers detailed guidelines for parent group trainers who conduct workshops on problem solving, math, and science for parents of young children. In addition, discussion starters, a list of hands-on activities, directions for drawing and using a poster, and learning activities for children are described. Counting books are briefly…

Two experiments investigated children's strategies for solving geometric matrices that were correctly or incorrectly completed and that varied in number of elements and number of transformations. Examining the relationship between working memory and item complexity, the first experiment tested 90 boys and girls of 7, 10, and 13 years of age for…

This paper examines the cognitive structures and processes that mediate mathematical and scientific ability. Ability is divided into achieved abilities and precursor abilities. Identified concepts in the area of achieved ability include expertise, understanding, and problem-solving. Other abilities can be seen as precursors to such achieved…

A model of how automated and controlled processing can be mixed in computer simulations of problem solving is proposed. It is based on previous work by Hunt and Lansman (1983), who developed a model of problem solving that could reproduce the data obtained with several attention and performance paradigms, extending production-system notation to…

Abstracts of 28 research reports are provided. The reports were prepared by investigators for presentation at the 56th annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. A broad range of topics related to mathematics education is covered. Ten reports deal with problem solving, four are concerned with instructional methods, three…

These two modules cover aspects of the coding process and algebraic coding theory. The first unit defines coding as a branch of information and communication science, which draws extensively upon many diverse mathematical fields, primarily abstract and linear algebra, number theory, probability and statistics, and combinatorial theory. Aspects of…

This module considers ordinary linear differential equations with constant coefficients. The "complex method" used to find solutions is discussed, with numerous examples. The unit includes both problem sets and an exam, with answers provided for both. (MP)

This document consists of five units which all view applications of mathematics to American politics. The first three view calculus applications, the last two deal with applications of algebra. The first module is geared to teach a student how to: 1) compute estimates of the value of the parameters in negative exponential models; and draw…

This guide is for the use of teachers in the primary grades and is organized around six concepts: sets, numbers and numeration; operations, their properties and number theory; relations and functions; geometry; measurement; and probability and statistics. Objectives and sample activities are presented for each concept. Separate sections deal with…

This survey represents an attempt to indicate how much is known about all aspects of research in mathematics education. For each topic, a brief description of the variable is provided and the kinds of experiments or other empirical studies which have been used to investigate them are indicated. At the end of each chapter is a bibliography and a…

An overview of a variety of interesting teaching techniques is given to assist school personnel in strengthening their overall mathematics programs in the first eight grades. The problem-solving approaches recommended are so designed that they should be useful in every subject. The materials could also be used as a basis for teacher in-service…

This publication is a study guide prepared for use in a National Science Foundation (NSF) Chautaugua-Type Short Course for College Teachers. The purpose of the guide is to provide college teachers with a variety of modeling methods that can be used with problem solving. Mathematical applications and illustrations are included, along with listings…

The message of this article is that there are many types of problems ordinarily requiring advanced techniques or special insight to solve which can now be done as simple programming exercises on inexpensive programmable calculators. Several examples appropriate for the secondary school curriculum are given. These are: (1) evaluating polynomials;…

This is the teacher's guide to accompany the student guide which together comprise one of five computer-oriented environmental/energy education units. This unit explores U.S. energy consumption; is applicable to Mathematics, Social Studies, and Ecology or Science Studies with Mathematics background; and is intended for use in grades 9 through 14.…