This action research describes a program for improving mathematical problem solving skills. The targeted population consisted of first grade students in a transient, middle class community as well as third and sixth grade students from a growing, middle to upper class in Illinois. The concerns of problem solving were documented through teacher…

This booklet presents 10 easy fun tips for parents to help their children build self-confidence by making them aware of the mathematics all around. These 10 activities were developed to help children master basic math skills, see the relationship between math and everyday activities, and school learning. (ASK)

A brief history of computers, a description of uses, and a disucssion of various types available are all given. Specific examples where the computer may be used to help teach mathematics are presented with some sample programs explained. A selected annotated bibliography is included. (LS)

This critique focuses on Gagne's attempt to apply information-processing theory to mathematics education, noting that this distorts what it means to learn mathematics. This is discussed with specific illustrations. (MNS)

Lessons are suggested which involve dice in the instruction of various number concepts. Activities are presented under: (1) Early Number Concepts; (2) Meaningful Addition and Subtraction; (3) Place Value Practice; and (4) Extensions for the Intermediate Grades. The primary advantage of dice is their adaptability to student ability levels and…

It is noted that defining subtraction independently of addition through use of physical objects can help one to illustrate the non-commutativity of this operation. Lack of awareness of the importance of the order of the digits may be a primary cause of errors in compound subtraction. (MP)

An exploration approach with calculators that promotes student investigation and development of mathematical processes and concepts is highlighted. The presentation helps to highlight the enormous potential of calculators to facilitate new and imaginative approaches to certain areas of number work, and shows how student interest is promoted. (MP)

Two posters that involve digits and number activities designed to provide motivational activities for students are presented. It is thought the posters can be used to introduce some ideas from elementary number theory. Both primary objectives and possible instructional extensions are reviewed. (Author/MP)

A modification to the ancient game of NIM is promoted which can provide a set of games seen as suitable for promoting practice in subtraction and simple strategy formation for a range of pupils in both the primary and secondary grades. The game versions noted are normally for two players. (MP)

A unit on the division of decimals by decimals that used electronic calculators as a teaching aid is described. The learning package created, the operation of the project, and several outcomes are presented. The results strongly indicated that mathematics can be taught using a calculator. (MP)

Pupil difficulty with understanding mathematical sentences is viewed as a problem with reading comprehension. Suggestions are made for ways to help children over the "missing-addend hurdle." The focus is on an educational game that has been used successfully to get students to focus on the meaning of mathematical sentences. (MP)

A subtraction algorithm that does not involve borrowing is presented and called the residue method. It has been taught in junior and senior high school classes and preservice and inservice classes for teachers. The method has helped in classes where arithmetic in other bases is presented. (MP)

Some insights are provided into techniques for removing the mystery of how calculators evaluate functions. (Author/MK)

An overview is provided of the current literature on mathematical learning of children with a learning disability. Mathematics for the population viewed is seen to mean mainly arithmetic. It is felt more research is clearly needed on teaching arithmetic to children with a learning disability. (MP)