A study of (n=26) prospective elementary teachers' understanding of the area of a rectangular region as a multiplicative relationship between the lengths of the sides resulted in the development of a description of the quantitative reasoning involved. (23 references) (MKR)

Attempted to verify knowledge regarding decimal and rational numbers in children ages 10-14. Discusses how pupils can receive and assimilate extensions of the number system from natural numbers to decimals and fractions and later can integrate this extension into a single and coherent numerical structure. (Author/MKR)

Presents a mathematics problem that provoked an excellent classroom discussion concerning the nature of numbers and their relationships. (MKR)

Describes the use of the children's book, "The Wolf's Chicken Stew," to present open-ended tasks designed to involve children in problem solving: estimating; conducting probability experiments; and collecting, sorting, classifying, displaying, and interpreting data. (MKR)

Discusses the use of children's literature to combine social studies and mathematics to study patchwork quilts. (MKR)

Presents activities utilized with primary teachers to alleviate instructional concerns about using calculators and provide reasons for using calculators in their mathematics instruction. Activities address the topics of estimation, number sense, numeration, whole number and fraction operations, probability, and problem solving. (MDH)

It is argued that Australian elementary mathematics curricula have been influenced by earlier British and United States educational movements and theories and are out of touch with current research emphasizing a constructivist approach. A new model of young children's numerical development is offered, and recommendations for improving mathematical…

Discusses ways that calculators and computer microworlds, such as LOGO and Shape Makers, can be used as tools for exploration, problem solving, and empowerment in school mathematics. Includes suggestions for classroom activities. (Contains 12 references.) (MKR)

Kindergarten (n=30) and grade 1 (n=15) students of contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds were interviewed to assess their knowledge of number word sequences and spatial patterns and their ability to recognize numerals and use counting to establish numerosity of visible and screened collections. Findings indicate greater variation in abilities…

This is a reprint of an address given at the Christmas National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) meeting in 1958. It provides a critique of elementary instruction and discusses the changes necessary. It calls for fundamental change in the concept of mathematics teaching. (PDD)

Describes how one second-grade teacher opened the way to an understanding of mathematical concepts for her students by opening some favorite children's books. Four specific titles along with the mathematical skills they focus on and suggested teaching ideas are presented. Additional resources are included for each title. (BB)

A theoretical discussion of categorization, unit structures and structured units, and fractions as operators was introduced. The thinking of grade-three students (n=3) with regard to the meaning of fractions was investigated in two teaching episodes using the computer environments of SuperPaint and CopyCat. (Contains 14 references.) (MKR)

Mathematics that exists in the Mende culture, an African tribe in Sierra Leone, includes counting, computation, ratios, fractions, forecasting games, and mathematical applications. Presents The Mende representations of these concepts and discusses implications of their integration into mathematics teaching. (MDH)

Arithmetic algorithms include two types of rules: conventional rules that may be changed by authority, and may legitimately vary from one classroom or country to another (e.g. putting the sum below, rather than above, the numbers added) and logical rules that involve the logic of the algorithm. Changes in the logical rules produce incorrect…

This study focuses on the nature of preservice elementary school teachers' understandings of several concepts in elementary number theory that are evoked by a computer-based microworld called "Number Worlds". In particular, the focus is on the concepts of factor, multiple and prime number. The notion of "thickness" is examined with respect to…