Learning the techniques of critical thinking and problem solving can be easy for children when presented problems involving fun topics. Problem sets which range from easy to hard written by elementary school students and educational consultants are included. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Each topic…

Each year the New York State Mathematics League (NYSML) and the Atlantic Region Mathematics League (ARML) hold mathematics competitions for secondary school students. This document contains the questions used from 1973 to 1985, and the ARML questions used from 1976 to 1985. For each competition listed the book provides: (1) power questions; (2)…

Most studies of children's solution processes on simple addition and subtraction word problems have used individual interviews or the analysis of error patterns on paper-and-pencil tests as the primary data-gathering techniques. The present paper reports an investigation in which the contribution of eye-movement data was explored for studying…

The dual purpose of this study was (1) to design instruction in problem representation and solution of algebraic word problems in order to improve the algebraic problem solving skills of learning disabled (LD) adolescents; and (2) to devise and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional procedures for teaching LD adolescents to represent and…

Presents 14 problems organized into three levels of difficulty. Topics include algebra, pattern identification, probability, and geometry. Includes solutions to the problems. (DDR)

Explores what is important when choosing a mathematics word problem and when modifying it to suit particular students' backgrounds and cultures. For example, potentially good problems have multiple entry and exit points which can have several right answers, blending of different mathematical ideas, linkages to problems in other situations, and…

This study tested the effectiveness of an experimental instructional strategy for writing arithmetic sentences for simple multiplication and division story problems involving nonintegral factors. Significant effects in favor of the experimental group were found on an intermediate test and a posttest. (Author/CW)

Examines reliability of seven mathematical abilities tests among Spanish- and English-speaking pre-algebra Hispanic students. Students tested in divergent thinking, general reasoning, field-dependence, math achievement, math prose reading, syllogistic reasoning, and word problems. All tests reliable for Spanish speakers; only four for…

Discusses the need to consider the cognitive models of students and their learning processes when designing computer tutorials, and describes a tutorial designed to teach students how to generate algebraic equations for story problems. Testing and revisions of the tutorial, with both college and high school students are described. (14 references)…

This study, involving 30 elementary students with learning disabilities, found that students performed significantly better on mathematics tests given using a computer than by paper and pencil. It found no differences among variations of computer-assisted instruction, with either static or animated pictures and either utilizing or not utilizing a…

Six students (ages 12-14) with learning disabilities received either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction for mathematical problem solving, followed by instruction in the complementary component. Results indicated that cognitive and metacognitive strategies were more effective than either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction…

The effects of problem content on mathematics word problem performance were explored for 128 male and 128 female college students solving problems with masculine, feminine, and neutral (familiar and unfamiliar) cover stories. No effect of sex typing was found, and a small, but highly significant, effect was found for familiarity. (SLD)

Female tenth graders (n=217) were less likely than male tenth graders (n=219) to identify missing or irrelevant information in algebra problems. Female eleventh graders (n=234) were less likely than male eleventh graders (n=287) to solve problems with irrelevant information. Results indicate sex differences in knowledge of problem structure. (SLD)

The relationship between mental models used in problem solving and strategies children use when problem solving with manipulative materials are discussed. Teaching strategies for bridging the gap between the two are suggested. (CW)

Describes a class activity in which students create word problems associated to specific arithmetic problems that are then edited in their English class. Using the computer laboratory and a word-processing program under the supervision of the media specialist, the problems are compiled in a booklet, printed, and distributed. (MDH)