Offers five suggestions to help students assess the reasonableness of their answers: (1) giving students a variety of problems; (2) facilitating students' discussions and interpretations of the problem conditions; (3) encouraging students to estimate answers before carrying out calculations; (4) encouraging students to ask whether their answers…

Because of the importance of problem-solving skills in mathematics instruction of children with learning disabilities, this article offers guidance on teaching heuristic global strategies, including use of analogy, annotating problems, detail analysis, deletion of details, detail sorting, symbolizing operations, and designating formulas. (DB)

This article presents a lesson plan for teaching students the third of five steps for solving mathematical problems, "lining up a plan." Steps for teaching students to visualize the problem and draw a picture of the problem are given. (DB)

Eye-fixation analysis of 38 undergraduates allowed identification of phases in solution of arithmetic word problems and location of students' difficulties with inconsistent problems within the phases. Results indicate that the locus of the inconsistency effect lies outside the execution phase of problem solving. (SLD)

Described are the difficulties in translating word sentences between English and Algebra. Two classic sentences that typically produce student errors are presented with explanations that can be shared with the students on overcoming these translation difficulties. (MDH)

Describes generative learning environments for teaching mathematical problem solving that were developed at the Vanderbilt University Learning Technology Center. The theoretical framework is discussed; design principles are explained, including a video-based presentation format; and the use of videodisc and hypermedia is discussed. (37 references)…

Considers the reasons that mathematical word problems are particularly difficult for remedial students. Describes the use of language-oriented teaching techniques in helping students to understand and solve word problems and to recognize that English and mathematics are two overlapping language systems. (PAA)

Fifty-two second-grade students were taught a generalizable problem-solving strategy for mathematics word problems. Results were mixed but were generally supportive of the notion that classwide student tutoring teams and direct instruction are useful adjuncts to teacher-led instruction in word problem solving in mathematics. (JDD)

This article describes and offers examples of acronym mnemonics in mathematics and gives suggestions for their use with students who have learning disabilities. The approach addresses learning the basic facts and solving word problems. Instructional procedures for teaching mnemonics are noted. (DB)

Describes an action-research study conducted in a third-grade classroom that integrates mathematical problem solving with the writing process through the use of the Mathematician's Chair. Contains 14 references. (ASK)

A review of six published studies on algebra interventions for students with learning disabilities revealed that successful interventions included instruction on domain-specific knowledge, as well as general problem-solving and self-regulation strategies. Promising practices include sequential introduction of work problems through concrete,…

Three third graders with a history of low achievement in math were first given verbal (abstract) instruction in solving word problems. Students were then introduced to manipulatives instruction using Cuisenaire rods to set up word problems. Students exhibited immediate and sustained improvement on subsequent probes administered without…

Investigates the effects of group personalization of instruction on the mathematics achievement and attitudes of 72 fifth-grade Taiwanese students. Personalization was accomplished by incorporating personal information and preferences provided by students into their mathematics word problems. Students were blocked by ability level, then randomly…

Reports on the design and study of a new computerized environment enabling a variety of metacognitive supports in different phases of the problem-solving process and designed to influence students' metacognition during word problem-solving. Results indicate that learning environments that provide metacognitive support during the solution process…

This article describes using a graphic representation technique to teach students with learning disabilities to be effective problem-solvers. It discusses the key aspects of this instruction, shows how to use the strategy for solving word problems, and discusses how to assess students' problem-solving performance. Examples are provided. (Contains…