Mathematics is of major importance in science subjects. Unfortunately, students struggle with applying mathematics in science subjects, especially physics. In this qualitative study we demonstrate that transfer of algebraic skills from mathematics in physics class can be improved by using pre-knowledge effectively. We designed shift-problems…

This study describes an online method of measuring individual students' collaborative problem-solving abilities using four interactive mathematics-based tasks, with students working in pairs. Process stream data were captured from 3,000 students who completed the tasks in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Singapore, and Finland.…

The authors explored whether a testing effect occurs not only for retention of facts but also for application of principles and procedures. For that purpose, 38 high school students either repeatedly studied a text on probability calculations or studied the text, took a test on the content, restudied the text, and finally took the test a second…

Word problems are math- or science-related problems presented in the context of a story or real-life scenario. Literature suggests that, to solve these problems, advanced reading skills are required, in addition to content-related skills in, for example, mathematics. In the present study, we investigated the relation between students' reading…

Gifted secondary students not only solved problems better, faster, and with less assistance than average pupils, but also processed information in a different fashion. (MNS)

Discussion of transfer capability focuses on a study of secondary education students in the Netherlands that investigated transfer in mathematics education. Describes the construction of a computer-assisted program based on strengthening the connection of strategic and domain specific knowledge and offering hints during teaching as well as during…

This study, conducted in the Netherlands, examined the effects of a problem-solving program on students' problem-solving and metacognitive skills. The program consisted of four parts involving one or more aspects of problem solving in the content areas of proportions, geometry, numbers, and solving equations and inequalities. The experimental…

"The Systemic Initiative for Montana Mathematics and Science," based on a successful Dutch nontraditional curriculum, was used by a mathematics teacher to help ninth graders apply previously learned skills. Creative learning modules provided hands-on experience and helped students carry concrete knowledge to more abstract levels,…

Small-group cooperative learning provides an alternative to both traditional whole-class expository instruction and individual instruction systems. The procedures described in this volume are realistic, practical strategies for using small groups in mathematics teaching and learning with methods applicable to all age levels, curriculum levels, and…

This volume of the 27th International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education Conference includes the following research reports: (1) Improving Decimal Number Conception by Transfer from Fractions to Decimals (Irita Peled and Juhaina Awawdy Shahbari); (2) The Development of Student Teachers' Efficacy Beliefs in Mathematics during…