Discusses strategies for overcoming common student misconceptions. Strategies include using pretests followed by teaching techniques planned to contrast new information with students' previous ideas; using pretests followed by time for students to question ideas and test their knowledge; and giving students a real-world task that can only be…

A fun logic game to introduce several classes of sixth-graders to advanced mathematical thinking allows even students who previously fared poorly in math to arrive at the destination with their peers. (Author/MLF)

The reform mathematics curricula present students with problems that cannot be solved using routine methods. Addresses questions about problem solving by considering one seventh-grade teacher's first-person description of an attempt to teach algebra problem solving. (Author/MLF)

Compares the problem-solving skills required for solving well-structured problems and ill-structured problems in the context of an open-ended, multimedia problem solving environment in astronomy. Assesses students' abilities in solving these problems with two sets of open-ended questions. Concludes that solving well-structured and ill-structured…

Explains a strategy called "What Do I 'S'ee? What Do I 'T'hink? What Do I 'W'onder?" (STW) which helps students look carefully at pictures in storybooks and think about a story's character, setting, and events. Notes that the STW strategy provides opportunities for students with varying reading abilities and diverse experiences to work together…

Investigates the effect of explicit problem-solving instruction on high school students' (N=145) conceptual understanding of physics. Findings indicate that the explicit strategy improved the quality and completeness of students' physics representations more than the textbook strategy. No difference was found between the strategies on match of…

Presents a question designed to launch a discovery journey through conjecture, research, serendipitous encounters, proof, answers, and new questions. Reports some discoveries and suggests ways in which to incorporate this strategy into classrooms. Presents a geometry project that incorporates this problem-solving approach to mathematics. (JRH)

States that the reading teacher needs to study diverse methods of teaching reading. Finds that the method chosen should harmonize with the pupil's present achievement and ability level. Considers that a major goal in teaching reading is to guide pupils to solve problems. (PA)

Studies the effect of gender on a computer-based approach to solving stoichiometric chemical equations. Implies that the feedback provided by the software might have had an effect on reducing the gender gap. However, upon closer examination, the results showed that the correctness means for males were higher than that for females, and the rate of…

Features a word problem concerning mathematical patterns for students. (KHR)

Describes how assigning challenging problems can help students become better problem solvers and encourages them to practice the art of clear written communication. (YDS)

Describes how students develop proportional reasoning through problem solving. Identifies the essential components of proportional reasoning and includes recommendations for instruction. (YDS)

Describes the use of paper folding to create a rich environment for discussing algebraic concepts. Explores the effect that changing the dimensions of two-dimensional objects has on the volume of related three-dimensional objects. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

Applies mathematics teaching techniques to the teaching of general problem solving skills for students in all subjects. Offers ways in which every teacher can use these problem-solving techniques in their day-to-day teaching of any subject. Provides a generic framework, rubric, and scoring guide for school-wide use. (Contains five references.) (NB)

Describes "World Class Tests in Mathematics and Problem-Solving," developed with the belief that creativity is worth nurturing and can be nurtured. (KHR)