Two units make up this material. They focus on applications of second-order difference equations to American politics. The goals of the first module include helping the user understand: 1) the difference between a theoretical construct and an observable; 2) the nature of choices which exist in modeling any particular empirical phenomenon; and 3)…

This document consists of two major sections. The first of these is actually three units that look at applications of arithmetic to business. Basic pre-algebra mathematics is an assumed prerequisite. These units are titled: 367-The Real Numbers; 368-Fractions and Their Uses: Ratio and Proportion; and 369-Exponents: Powers and Roots. Each module…

This material contains two units which view applications of computer science. The first of these examines Horner's scheme; and is designed to instruct the user on how to apply both this scheme and related algorithms. The second unit aims for student understanding of standard bisection, secant, and Newton methods of root finding and appreciation of…

This study investigated a theoretical structure which attempts to explain the problem-solving strategies used by first-grade students who are successful in solving simple arithmetic story problems. The structure used describes the problem-solving procedure as consisting of a three-stage model building process: (1) comprehending the story, (2)…

The evaluation of an interdisciplinary, process curriculum for real problem solving required a tool for differentiating that program's application from the actual treatments taken by students receiving more traditional alternatives to the experimental program. Treatments could not be controlled or assigned at random, and these restrictions…

This investigation used a clinical interview technique to identify the difficulties of kindergarten children who are unable to develop models or representations of simple arithmetic story problems. It is hypothesized that effective human problem solvers first generate some type of "physical model" and use this model to create a…

This yearbook is intended to be primarily a highlighting of the essential elements of those basic mathematical understandings which should be continually developed and extended throughout the entire mathematics curriculum. An attempt is also made to illustrate training in mathematical modes of thought, sometimes labeled problem solving or creative…

Presented is a summary of research and recommendations concerning questions that are frequently asked by teachers and administrators about the learning and teaching of mathematics. Six areas are analyzed: planning for instruction, instructional procedures, differentiating instruction, methods of instruction, problem solving, and evaluation. The…

Eighteen research reports related to mathematics education are abstracted and analyzed in this publication. Three of the reports deal with aspects of learning theory, seven with topics in mathematics instruction (problem solving, weight, quadratic inequalities, probability and statistics, area and volume conservation, cardinality), five with…

Seventeen research reports related to mathematics education are abstracted and critically analyzed. Seven of the reports deal with aspects of learning theories, four with topics in mathematics instruction (subtraction, problem solving, division by zero, and high school geometry), two with teacher effectiveness and competency, and four with…

Discusses a study which compared differences in ratio construction made by high school freshman and junior students. Reports that more freshmen than juniors selected solutions involving one variable, whereas juniors chose solutions that coordinated two variables in a mathematical or verbal rule. Reviews implications in problem solving and concept…

Abstracts of seven selected papers from the 7th Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference are presented. Papers are included on microcomputer-based labs, teaching science with robots, microcomputer software, problem solving, computer integrated math activities, and computer assisted mathematics. (RH)

Reviews the research concerning young children's use of computers in terms of their social/emotional development (peer interaction and cooperation, peer teaching and helping, social and cognitive interaction, and attitudes), language skills (language development, prereading reading, and writing skills), and mathematical and problem-solving skills.…

A review of literature on selected relationships among metacognition, quantitative problem-solving, and learning disabilities focuses on three types of problem-solving activities: word problems; knowledge-based problems; and decision and argument problems. Techniques for teaching problem-solving and integrating metacognition principles into…

This Texas Tech University computer literacy course designed for preservice elementary and middle school mathematics teachers lacking a technological orientation facilitates their computer introduction through preliminary use of calculators. Course development, philosophy, and course segments are outlined with emphasis on the sequence in which…