Advocates elementary math instruction that uses realistic problems or examples and that teaches children to think. Suggests methods for accomplishing these objectives, including the use of mathematical games. (SJL)

Presents two ancient problems, trisecting any angle and dividing a circle into any number of equal parts. Illustrates how to use these problems to prompt students to think broadly and creatively about problems instead of letting the apparent boundaries of the problem limit their thoughts. Combines three-dimensional solutions to the problems to…

Argues that there is a sense of surprise and wonder that can result from looking back at problem solutions and there is a potential for then creating unexpected, even memorable, alternative solutions. Example problems with routine solutions and alternative approaches uncovered while "looking back" at the solution are given. (PK)

The author discusses mathematics problems given to a group of primary teachers studying properties of numbers. Using a milk crate and bottles as a problem, the teachers diverted to exploring extrapolations. (MP)

For individuals to cooperate they must develop certain skills and understandings. Unless schools engage in specific activities that teach cooperation, students may lack the skills they need to function in an adult society. Cooperative learning has much to offer for the mathematics class. Students enjoy discussing mathematics with other students.…

Variation in syntactic difficulty in arithmetic problems is studied to determine its influence on students' ability to solve problems correctly. Findings in a study of elementary school students indicated syntactic difficulty affects problem solving ability, regardless of sex (f=fiche number). (MH)

Examines whether verbal problem-solving skills in a group of fourth graders would improve if they were specifically taught how to generate their own diagrams when solving word problems. Classifies textbook word problems into three general types and describes them: (1) tabular; (2) geometric; and (3) contingency diagraming. (YP)

Presented is a set of mathematics problems associated with the characteristics, production, and consumption of chicken eggs. Student assignment sheets are included. (CW)

Field tested with students in grades 10-12, this manual is designed to teach students in marketing courses basic mathematical concepts. The instructional booklet contains seven student assignments covering the following topics: why basic mathematics is so important, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, weights and measures, and dollars…

This handbook, developed by teachers in Manitoba, has been structured to provide teachers in grades 3 through 6 with a resource for teaching problem solving in mathematics. It consists of four sections. The first section establishes the background and states the purposes of the handbook. The second section provides a general overview of problem…

Presents three reproducible worksheets which contain verbal problem situations in which numerical quantities have been omitted and represented by geometric shapes. The objective of the material is to develop the students' ability to analyze the mathematical structure in verbal problem-solving situations. (PK)

Differentiates between problems, exercises and algorithms. Discusses the role of algorithms in solving problems and exercises in chemistry. Suggests that very real differences exist between solving problems and exercises, and that problem solving steps can be and should be taught in chemistry education. (TW)

Problem-based learning (PBL), initiated when learners meet the problem scenarios, develops learners' skills and subject matter content to make the transition from beginner to more expert problem solver. Beginning students might benefit from simple, well-structured problems, in which the understanding of sets of rules and principles results in a…

Offers a microeconomics crossword puzzle aimed at helping upper sixth year students prepare for the Advanced Level examination. Presents the puzzle as a useful tool to stimulate class discussion and to test students' facility with economic language and concepts. (CH)

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between classroom instructional practices and computation and geometry achievement. Relationships between mathematics achievement and classroom characteristics were also explored. The sample of 1,032 students and their teachers (n=147) was selected from the 1992 Trial State Mathematics…