Presents the Picasso Masterpiece problem to develop spatial reasoning in students. Addresses the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Geometry Content Standards. (Author/NB)

Some uncomplicated illustrations of how probability yields results that seem in conflict with traditional intuition are given. (MNS)

Describes two studies that analyzed the impact of problem type on the understanding of commutativity of multiplication of (n=20) children ages 8-10. The concept seemed poorly understood, but the children did significantly better in the context of rotation than of rearrangement of elements. (Author/MKR)

The influence of reading comprehension level on solving verbally expressed arithmetic problems was studied with 12 students (ages 8 to 12) who were prelingually and profoundly deaf. Reading comprehension level was related to students' problem-solving level. Verbal arithmetic problems contained linguistic forms that were difficult for deaf…

Promotes the use of worked examples to help students learn and strengthen their knowledge of mathematics. Discusses modeling effective use of worked examples, formats, and benefits. (MKR)

Provides six short story problems that are solved using common physics concepts. Includes solutions. (MVL)

Two experiments, one measuring eye fixations of 38 undergraduates and the other assessing memory of 37 undergraduates, provide evidence that unsuccessful problem solvers are more likely to comprehend by direct translation and that successful word problem solvers are more likely to build a problem model. (SLD)

This article details an approach to teaching one step in a mathematics word-problem-solving strategy, that of organizing the facts. A lesson plan is offered which involves directed instruction and supervised practice in five strategies for organizing facts. (DB)

Reviews several student-tested computer software programs for math instruction: Gameco's "Word Problem Square-Off"; "MathKeys" by MECC and Houghton-Mifflin; Davidson and Associates'"The Cruncher"; and Sunburst Communications'"Exploring Mathematics with Technology: Number and Operation Sense." (HTH)

Discusses reasons for the lack of mathematical problem-solving skills among students at all levels. Examines the complex cognitive processes required for problem solving. Reviews theories about the problem-solving process and lists the cognitive skills and steps necessary for successful mathematical problem solving. (PAA)

Presents a problem for students in grades 1-6 concerning the concept of probability. Discusses the student problem-solving process, and provides some responses to the problem published in the January 1998 issue of this journal. (ASK)

This article discusses outcomes of a study that indicated gifted children as young as 6 years old can use metacognitive processes for solving math problems, are aware of knowing certain operations and are able to use them automatically, and know which strategy they usually use for solving problems. (Contains references.) (CR)

Matrix organization can be used to construct math word problems for children with mild disabilities. Matrix organization specifies the characteristics of problems, such as problem theme or setting, operations, level of computation complexity, reading vocabulary level, and need for classification. A sample scope and sequence and 16 sample word…

This article makes the case for an alternative type of mathematics instruction for students with disabilities using multiplication. It explains how educators can skip addition and subtraction in computation instruction and start with multiplication by controlling for two elements: counting through 10 and place value. Word problems are also…

A four-step strategy for teaching problem representation skills is presented. The cognitive skills required for each step are identified, and for each skill, an activity and example are presented. The activities presented are based on research and are offered as suggestions for developing mathematics instruction for students with learning…