The document first provides a review of recent literature on sex differences in mathematics achievement. From national and international studies, achievement trends across the grades, how achievement varies according to the skills or knowledge assessed, and the mathematical ability of high-ability students are each summarized. Then studies…

This document describes seven steps that were followed to develop and validate a pool of mathematical problem-solving situations and a set of questions for each situation which were designed to provide information about students' qualitatively different levels of reasoning ability. For each stage a description is presented of the work that was…

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether teaching strategies designed to help pupils build positive and realistic self concepts would have effects upon attitudes, anxiety, and achievement in mathematics. The population consisted of 60 students who had registered for a Survey of Mathematics course at Winward Community College…

The purposes of the present study were to develop and evaluate a measure of self-efficacy expectations with regard to the performance of mathematics-related behaviors and to investigate the relationship of mathematics self-efficacy expectations to the selection of science-based college majors. Based on results obtained from a pilot sample of 115…

This study compares the mathematics performance of pupils who received no day care experiences with those who received mathematics instruction in a structured day care setting, and those exposed to incidentical learning in day care centers. Eighty-six first, second, third, and fourth grade students who had completed four years in a Title I program…

Achievement patterns of one hundred first-grade children are investigated with respect to socioeconomic status and kindergarten attendance. Twenty-five pupils were selected from each of the following groups: (1) middle socioeconomic levels who attended kindergarten; (2) middle levels who did not; (3) lower socioeconomic levels who attended…

The data do not support either the expectations that males are invariably superior in mathematics achievement and spatial visualization or the idea that differences between the sexes increase with age and/or mathematics difficulty. The pattern of differences in mathematics achievement, spatial visualization and affective variables strongly…

A mixed-ability sample of 280 11- and 12-year-olds was used to investigate mathematical creativity and identify characteristics typical of pupils with mathematical creativity. Hypotheses concerned with overcoming fixations and divergent production were clearly supported only for the highest attaining group. Mathematically creative students…

In the Mini-Society program intermediate grade students create their own microcosmic version of an adult economy. This study showed that in addition to increasing students' economic understanding, Mini-Society also improves the students' mathematical reasoning. (RM)

The literature on metacognition and students having learning problems is reviewed. Investigations of metacognitive instruction to enhance memory skills, to increase text comprehension, and to improve written expression and math performance are reported. The roles of the teacher and learner in acquiring and controlling the targeted cognitive…

Advantages and disadvantages of the modern definition of function, understanding the concept of function, procedures used in a study of the understandings of ninth graders, and detailed results of the study are discussed. (MNS)

Research indicates that calculators can promote mathematics achievement. Some topics with which calculators can aid are briefly discussed: problem solving, number ideas, counting, basic facts, and computation with whole numbers and decimals. (MNS)

Explores the differences in masculinity-femininity between women who enroll in higher level mathematics courses and those who do not. Contrasts personality traits, attitudes, and role behaviors of the two groups of women. Results indicate that the two groups differ on a number of variables including background and vocational interests. (Author/SA)

Research on minority groups in mathematics (particularly Blacks and Hispanics) is briefly summarized. How researchers attempt to explain achievement and enrollment differences is noted. (MNS)

Effects of the locus of computer assisted instruction (CAI) strategies on low achievers' learning accuracy and efficiency were studied. Externally controlled adaptive, individually based learner control with advisement, and linear control design strategies were used. Effects were examined for CAI strategy, prior achievement, and sex of student.…