This study examined effects of video-based, anchored instruction and applied problems on the ability of 11 low-achieving (LA) and 26 average-achieving (AA) eighth graders to solve computation and word problems. Performance for both groups was higher during anchored instruction than during baseline, but no differences were found between instruction…

Graphs from media sources and questions developed from them can be used in the middle school mathematics classroom. Graphs depict storage temperature on a milk carton; air pressure measurements on a package of shock absorbers; sleep-wake patterns of an infant; a dog's breathing patterns; and the angle, velocity, and radius of a leaning bicyclist…

A survey investigated mathematical word problem-solving practices of 133 mathematics teachers of students with deafness (grades 6-12). Half of the teachers were from center schools and the other half from mainstream programs. Results found that regardless of instructional setting, students were not being sufficiently engaged in cognitively…

Investigated the effect of the choice of a model's medium (algebraic expression or computer program) on the performance of students. Student programers did not transfer the qualities of a computer program approach to their algebraic models. Provides items for five tests. (YP)

Investigates children's behaviors and conceptual achievements in the transition from informal calculation strategies to a written division algorithm. Describes five different strategies observed in the solution of division problems. Discusses the implications of the children's behavior. (YP)

Discussed is the meaning of the word "of" as is found in mathematical expressions that involve fractional numbers. The conceptual rather than numerical distinction is stressed. Teaching techniques regarding difficulties with this concept are suggested. (CW)

Solves the problem of defining a smooth piecewise linear approximation to a given function. Discusses some alternative approaches to the problem. (YP)

A course at the University of Georgia is described that helps students acquire problem-solving skills so that ultimately the entire remedial program would be improved, giving students with major deficiencies in basic skills a better chance to succeed in their regular university courses. (MLW)

Describes qualitative aspects of explicit and less explicit explanations of cognitive reasoning processes associated with mathematical problem solving strategies. Includes lesson excerpts to illustrate three major differences between explicit and less explicit explanations. (MG)

Twenty-nine high-school students were taught ratio and proportion word problems using either an interactive videodisc program incorporating empirically validated curriculum design principles or a teacher-taught program with basals. Both groups, composed of remedial and learning-disabled students, made substantial performance gains, with the…

Describes a writing unit which coincided with an algebra unit on solving problems with two variables, in which students wrote down their reasons for choosing a particular multiple choice response, expressed an equation in writing, and wrote a six paragraph description of the solution to a problem. (RS)

Discusses elementary school mathematics instruction and describes the design and construction of a database with nonroutine problem-solving situations. A classification for the problems is explained, and use of the database at Indiana University and its potential use by elementary school teachers are described. (four references) (LRW)

Considers children's literature as a tool for teaching mathematics. Ways that children's literature can help achieve the goals established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are discussed, and use of children's books to explore topics such as measurement, multiplication, estimation, and subtraction is examined. A bibliography of 41…

A study demonstrated that the problem-solving ability of 45 first grade, Hispanic, bilingual children was related to the semantic structures of word problems in a similar manner for both of the children's languages and in a manner similar to that of monolingual speakers. (Author/LB)

Two groups of adolescents (n=36) with learning difficulties in mathematics were taught problem-solving skills under two conditions: standard word problems or contextualized problems on videodisc. Both groups improved their performance, but students in the contextualized problem group did significantly better on the contextualized problem posttest…