Details the differences between teaching methods in Britain and Hungary, as research studies have indicated the high level of achievement of Hungarian pupils in mathematics. Proposes the method of whole-class interactive teaching as a way that would improve student achievement. Makes practical suggestions for developing such a teaching strategy.…

Twenty South African students with low math achievement learned metacognitive strategies for math problems and 20 controls were taught math conventionally. General ability, metacognitive awareness, math achievement, and positive attitudes were all higher for the experimental group. (SK)

Argues that the solution to underachievement in mathematics lies in explicit teaching of non-narrative genres and a recognition of a mathematical tradition that lies outside of individual authorship. (Author/JL)

This special issue focuses on findings from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) from Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It consists of five contributions covering a variety of topics and research methodologies. Some articles are primarily descriptive; others focus on relational analyses. (SLD)

The Core-Plus Mathematics project is a National Science Foundation project to design, evaluate, and disseminate innovative high school curricula based on National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. The CPMP program has five mathematical and structural design features: multiple connected strands, emphasis on mathematical modeling, access…

Examined changes in beliefs and instruction of (n=21) primary grade teachers over a 4-year period in which the teachers participated in a CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) teacher development program that focused on helping teachers understand the development of children's mathematics thinking. (Author/MKR)

Studied the relationship between social support for academic achievement and achievement in reading and mathematics over a school year using data from surveys of 30,000 sixth and seventh graders in Chicago. Results show social support to be modestly but positively related to learning, but both learning and the relationship between social support…

Describes the Treisman model which involves supplemental workshops in which college students solve problems in collaborative learning groups. Reports on the effectiveness of Math Excel, an implementation of the Treisman model for introductory mathematics courses at Oregon State University over five academic terms. Reveals a significant effect on…

Examines one high school's success in getting African American students to take advanced mathematics courses. Evaluation of the school site, staff interviews, and school documents highlight characteristics of the mathematics department that influenced student success: a rigorous curriculum, active commitment to students, and standards-based…

Discusses the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Compares the results and the nature of the study with those of the Second International Mathematics and Science Study (SIMSS). Provides some recommendations for improving mathematics education. (ASK)

Presents research findings concerning leadership and management of (Dutch) secondary schools, using configuration theory. Distinguishes among three different management styles (two nonparticipative and one participative) that make use of six coordinating mechanisms. The participatory style was more effective and conducive to higher student math…

Examined achievement differences between year-round and traditional calendar students using 2 years of data from North Carolina public school students in grades 3-8. Results indicated that achievement in year-round schools was no higher than in traditional calendar schools, and differential effects for certain student subgroups, although…

Documents the findings of an experiment in which 12th-grade students taking a mathematics assessment were given monetary incentives to see whether such incentives would improve their performance. The study did not find that incentive increases performance. (Author/SLD)

Reports on the clarity rating of Chinese, English, and "Chinglish" (Chinese words translated into English) mathematical words. The inherent compound word structure of the Chinese language seems well suited to portray mathematical ideas. Examines the relations among the clarity of Chinese mathematical terms, U.S. urban junior high school students'…

This article reports on the consistency of the achievement-level classifications (below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced) established in 1999 for the South Carolina Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT; Huynh, Meyer, & Barton, 2000) of English language arts and mathematics. It also utilizes the PACT longitudinal data files of…