Discusses creative ways to teach elementary mathematics. At the primary level, the article suggests a book that introduces students to mathematical concepts regarding halves, calendars, and birthdays. At the intermediate level, it presents a learning activity that teaches about equivalent fractions as students design patterned squares. (SM)

Discusses formalizing in mathematics and provides anecdotal illustrations of formalizing in a constructivist environment, using students aged 12 and 8 involved in fraction work. (Contains 19 references.) (MKR)

Describes a mathematics activity using square pads of notepaper and sticky notes to do simple paper folding in order to increase students' understanding of fractions. (ASK)

Presents two vignettes of mathematics lessons and describes fourth-grade students' discussions of fractions, percents, decimals, time, and money while investigating the various interpretations of the word "quarter." (ASK)

Presents a study in which a group of 25 undergraduate students was given seven whole- or decimal-number estimations and asked to determine the exact answer using a calculator programmed to give incorrect answers. Points out subjects' lack of confidence in their estimation skills as well as a reluctance to question calculator-produced results.…

Current educational-reform documents recommend that teachers shift from using traditional practices toward practices that foster students' development of mathematical understanding. This article examines a new model of professional development and explains a pizza activity that helps teachers learn more about how children perceive math and develop…

Discusses the rationale behind the technique of rationalizing the denominator in algebra. Argues that the importance of this technique is greatly exaggerated and is usually unnecessary. Examines an appropriate application of rationalizing the denominator. (ASK)

Examines a group of preservice primary mathematics teachers' understanding of fractions using software called JavaBars. Suggests that while teachers had built up robust knowledge about fractions, they experienced difficulty in translating this knowledge in the JavaBars environment. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses convergence between instructional practices suggested by research on achievement motivation and practices promoted in mathematics-instruction reform literature by focusing on fourth- through sixth-grade students (N=624) and their teachers (N=24). Concludes that the instructional practices suggested in the literature of both research…

Explored the differential application of a self-regulatory strategy on mathematics performance among three eighth-graders with learning disabilities and diverse planning abilities. Found that all students improved on fraction probes as a function of using a cue card strategy. The student with high planning ability demonstrated consistent…

This study compared 6- to 7-year-olds' knowledge of numerical fractions prior to school instruction in Croatia, Korea, and United States. Results suggested that the Korean vocabulary of fractions may influence the meaning children ascribe to numerical fractions and that this results in children being able to associated numerical fractions with…

Analyzes videotaped lessons of 5th grade students on equivalent fractions from seven American and six Japanese classrooms in terms of a recurrent pattern in public discourse among a teacher and students. Found two approaches to the teaching-learning of the criteria for evaluating mathematical arguments. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/ASK)

This instructor's manual for workplace trainers contains the materials required to conduct a course in basic workplace mathematics skills. The course consists of six lessons for workers and two lessons for supervisors that discuss the following: concepts taught in the six lessons; workers' progress in the individual lessons; and strategies for…

This instructor's guide consists of materials for use in teaching a course in technical mathematics designed for students enrolled in postsecondary vocational and technical education programs. Included in the guide are 32 units organized into the following broad topic areas: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, tables and…

This book uses foods as catalysts for learning mathematical concepts. Each hands-on activity in this math center suggests accessible, healthful, and easy-to-prepare foods to be used in school or at home. An introduction to parents and teachers includes supplies list, gobble-up germs poster, and food guide pyramid and serving information. The…