Relating natural language to mathematical language is an important component of elementary mathematics education. This paper describes new steps toward a computerized database of addition and subtraction word problems that could provide teachers and students with access to critical natural language terms and expressions for mathematical…

Research indicates that students have great difficulty solving algebra word problems and that few high school seniors have mastered the fundamentals of algebra, let alone algebra problem-solving skills. Improving students' algebra problem solving skills is considered to be critically important by those who have worked on reforming mathematics…

Students in adult basic education/general educational development classes need skills in analyzing and solving programs, extending beyond those learned through word problems in the mathematics curriculum. The following strategies can help students broaden their problem-solving skills: (1) act it out, (2) construct a table, (3) draw a picture, (4)…

Presents several examples of algebraic word problems and demonstrates how spreadsheets are used to solve the problems. Spreadsheet templates are included to illustrate how each problem is solved. (MBR)

The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mole Solver, a computer based system that facilitates monitors and improves students' problem solving skills on mole concept. The system has three distinct modes that: (1) find step by step solutions to the word problems on the mole concept; (2) enable students to solve word problems on their own by…

This paper presents numerous approaches that teachers may use to help pupils deal with difficulties in reading comprehension in mathematics. It discusses the importance of understanding the meaning of the words and symbols used. It argues that: (1) pupils need adequate background information prior to reading story or word problems; (2) a hands-on…

This study examined problem solving and number-fact skills in two subgroups of third graders, those (n=12) with difficulties only in mathematics (MD-specific) and those (n=12) with difficulties in both reading and mathematics (MD-general). On both story and number-fact problems, the MD-general group performed worse than nonimpaired students,…

Offers a plan for using a modified reading/study guide, called the 3-Level Reading Guide, in mathematics class to help students comprehend and solve word problems. Suggests that the guide can help students become independent problem solvers. (SR)

Word problems as used within the culture of mathematics education often promote a suspension of sense making by the students. In the papers in this issue, an alternative conceptualization of word problems is proposed that calls for mathematical modelling that takes real world knowledge into account. (SLD)

Hypothesizes that learners who studied statistics examples with conceptually oriented equations would transfer more successfully to novel problems compared with learners who studied examples using computationally oriented equations. This hypothesis was supported across 2 experiments. The authors also examined the implications of providing learners…

Describes a student's work on a word problem after which she was very comfortable with her answer but her work was not correct. Discusses symbol sense, goals for students, and how tasks can be used to help meet those goals. (KHR)

Presents the stair skipping problem to foster improved communication among mathematics teachers. (KHR)

Developed a heuristic strategy (SOLVED) to explain the processes involved in understanding and solving mathematical word problems (problem translation, problem interpretation, solution planning, solution execution, and solution monitoring) among upper elementary students. Results indicated that SOLVED was more effective in aiding both short-term…

Presents activities to incorporate Polya's four-step problem-solving process. (KHR)

Describes how assigning challenging problems can help students become better problem solvers and encourages them to practice the art of clear written communication. (YDS)