A total of 101 students in grades 3, 4, and 5 were given a 3-week course in helping behaviors before being taught math concepts in cooperative-learning groups of 5 to 6 students. Results demonstrated that giving and receiving explanations or other meaningful help were related positively with academic achievement. (MDM)

Presents a conceptual framework to explain the differential success of Japanese children in mathematics learning based on Stevenson and Stigler's effort-versus-ability model, and argues that the Japanese effort model needs to be examined in a social context including the factors of dependence and obligation. (23 references) (Author/MKR)

Investigation of (n=41) eighth-grade mathematics classrooms in which three teaching approaches (algorithmic practice, teaching with meaning, and problem-process approach) found that the problem-process groups showed increased achievement and improved student attitudes. (38 references) (Author/MKR)

This study investigated relationships between self-perception of a learning disability (LD) and self-concept and social support among 56 elementary students with LD. Children with less negative perceptions of their LD showed higher math achievement scores and perceived more positive self-concept, intellectual and behavioral competence, and support…

Examines the options of academic acceleration and enrichment for maintaining high levels of challenge, interest, and achievement in children who are extremely gifted in mathematics. Recommends acceleration combined with enrichment as the best option. (34 references) (MKR)

Compares sixth-graders' math and reading achievement at year-round and traditional schools in the same (Ohio) school district. Uses a randomized, control-group, posttest-only method controlling for the effects of history maturation and pretesting. The statistical and practical results favor the alternative year-round calendar, particularly when…

Exam scores and final grades of college students (n=34) enrolled in a cooperative learning section of a remedial mathematics course were higher than students (n=42) in a section taught using traditional lecture methods. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

Develops a list of graded mathematical terms which gives a quick estimate of a child's reading ability in mathematics. Asserts that this instrument could identify students who need instruction in mathematics vocabulary and who have difficulty reading their mathematics textbooks. Finds a high correlation between teacher estimates and results…

Matching almost 47,000 men and women on type of math course taken and grade received, women scored about 33 points lower on the Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematics than men who had taken the same course and received the same grade. Sex differences call into question the validity of the SAT as a predictor of college math performance. (SK)

Describes a study in which remedial mathematics students were assessed to measure beliefs about the nature of mathematics and themselves as mathematics learners. Students had a poor conception of mathematics and their ability to perform. Particularly for men, beliefs about mathematics were strongly related to course grade. (DMM)

Comparison of the mental rotation skill of mathematically talented male (n=152) and female (n=143) high school juniors under both timed and extended time conditions showed higher performance by males under both conditions, but the male advantage decreased substantially when the effect of time was minimized. (Author/DB)

A total of 108 eleventh and twelfth graders were given a strategy questionnaire and sample Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) math items in an attempt to explain gender differences on this test. Results showed that, although male students performed better on the SAT math items, prior knowledge and strategies explained nearly 50% of the variance. (MDM)

Compared the performance of (n=710) college students taught precalculus using a graphing calculator approach to the performance of students using the traditional approach. Students in the first group scored significantly higher than the others on a comprehensive final exam. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

The children of the Southeast Asian boat people excel in the U.S. school system. A review of the factors underlying this achievement suggests that the U.S. educational crisis is more social than academic. (KR)

Examines seventh and eighth grade students in Australia, Japan, and the United States for attitudes related to mathematics, and the relationship these attitudes have to students' development of abstract mathematical thought and spatial relations. Study uses the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test, Differential Aptitude Test-Spatial Relations, and the…