Among 852 Finnish high school students (20% academic, 80% vocational), those whose math study orientation style was confidence had higher math achievement. Those whose style was coping or anxiety tended toward lower achievement. Electrical engineering and business students were most confident, academic and handicrafts students least. (SK)

High school consumer mathematics classes at a state school for the deaf were observed to find particular areas of difficulties in mathematics vocabulary learning and understanding. Classroom anecdotes are discussed along with possible causes and recommendations. (Contains 14 references.) (Author)

Despite scoring lower on the mathematics Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-M) prior to taking an advanced placement calculus course, female students (n=85) scored as well as males (n=51) on the Advanced Placement BC level calculus test. Predictors of AP scores were: first, scores on the Calculus Readiness Test; second, scores on the SAT-M; and…

Frame-of-reference theory was applied to verbal and mathematics self-concept and achievement measures with 103 high school students, ages 13 through 15, who were academically able. Path analysis verified the influence of both internal ability comparisons across academic areas and external ability comparisons relative to peers in determining…

The influence of English, the language used in the schooling of 227 sixth graders from Papua New Guinea, as well as the influence of their native language, Pidgin, were both found to have a significant impact upon their mathematical performance. (41 references) (JJK)

Suggested are ways to improve the SAT and its face validity. Suggestions include greater emphasis on more-realistic problems, inclusion of realistic percent problems, modification of the multiple-choice format, and the use of the National Council of Mathematics "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards" as a guide to construct the test. (MDH)

Presents results of a study to determine the effect of type-size on the mathematical problem-solving achievement of first, second, and third graders (n=259). Analysis of variance indicated that no significant differences in achievement existed. Concludes that textbooks can utilize smaller type sizes on word problems. (MDH)

Describes one teacher's implementation of subjective grading to assess student's achievement on mathematics tests. Reports student and parent reactions to the method. Shares five practices that developed with the experiences, and provides an example of the grading policy utilized. (MDH)

First, second, and third graders (n=33) were observed in classrooms during a three-year study of the development of private speech and its relationship to behavioral accompaniment to task, attention, and task performance. Findings agreed with Vygotskian predictions that private speech promotes effective task-related behavior. (SH)

The purpose of this study was to compare the achievement for the operations of multiplication and division on whole numbers of elementary grade students who were taught functional diagnostic strategies with a randomly selected group who were not taught the informal diagnostic strategies. Included are the methodology, results, and discussion. (KR)

An argument for the recognition that multicultural diversity plays a fundamental role in the affairs of both mathematics instruction and assessment, and that such recognition is the necessary starting point for strategies of raising levels of students' mathematics achievement in British schools, is presented. (JJK)

This survey of 72 secondary teachers of students with visual impairments found that teachers encounter continuing difficulties in providing materials and equipment for mathematics instruction and that few students with visual impairments are participating in advanced mathematics classes. (Author/DB)

Assessment of 121 nondisabled elementary boys and 107 boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ages 7 through 14 years, found significantly lower problem-solving scores in specific math concepts and slower computational performance for the boys with ADHD when reading and problem structure were held constant. Instructional…

Evaluated the effectiveness in a community college of the Professional Development Program, in which (n=80) mostly minority precalculus students attend workshops utilizing small study groups, faculty leadership, challenging mathematical materials, and peer support networks. No overall effect on student performance was found. Includes postinterview…

Reports on the attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics among 7,169 undergraduate male and female students in British and Scottish universities. Finds large differences in participation rates between women and men in English and Scottish universities. (CFR)