Describes two main categories of mental activity used by students in mathematics classes: mental mathematics and mathematical thought. Calls for the continuation of teaching mental mathematics and asks for the inclusion of mathematical thought in the national curricula. (MKR)

Algorithmic and investigative approaches to mathematics are compared and discussed. Their mutually contradictory spirit is explored. Examples of the application of each method to a mathematics problem are presented. (CW)

Proposed is a way for teachers to distinguish between rich, challenging material that encourages mathematical thinking and material that is unsuitable. Included are multistep problems that encourage a broader understanding of mathematics. (KR)

Described are four classroom activities that may be interspersed into a curriculum or offered as homework. Systematic procedures, alternative strategies, and trial and error are emphasized in these counting exercises. (KR)

Discussed are ways in which students can generalize both quadratic or cubic situations. Generalizations are produced using the factor method, repeated linear generalizations, means of the mean, and through the use of differences. (KR)