A set of 19 visual perceptual tasks was administered to six- to eight-year-old children, in order to differentiate three visual factors (visual synthesis, visual analysis, and perceptual speed) according to perceptual and conceptual complexity. The association between these perceptual measures, reading, and arithmetic was also assessed.…

On six mathematical subtests studied, males scored higher plus took significantly more algebra, geometry, advanced mathematics, and physics coursework. Females earned higher overall mathematics grades. After statistically controlling for the amount of coursework taken, sex differences disappeared on two quantitative tests and on spatial ability.…

Summarizes common explanations for the fact that fewer women than men elect to take advanced mathematics courses and enter mathematically oriented careers, integrating this research into a theoretical model first proposed by Parsons and her colleagues for studying students' academic choices and decisions. The utility of the model is discussed.…

Experimental fourth grade teachers were instructed about characteristics of effective mathematics teachers. Using a standardized mathematics achievement test as the dependent variable, the model proved effective. The interactions between student aptitudes, teacher style, and instructional model helped to interpret the influences on student…

Examines mathematics instruction and its intersection with culturally relevant teaching in an elementary/middle school in a Mexican American community. Proposes a model of culturally relevant mathematics instruction with three components: (1) building on students' informal, cultural, and experiential knowledge; (2) developing critical thinking;…

Comments on the apparent disparity between mathematics achievement as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and various international studies, focusing on the comparability among studies, the magnitude of change in average test scores, and the role of family-related factors in achievement trends in other countries. (SM)

Explores forms of passive behavior in poor math students. Twenty grade six students participated in this study. Two forms of passive behavior are discussed, one concerning encoding new knowledge and the other involving risk-taking in unmastered tasks. Also observes the reluctance of poor students to risk making a guess on problems that were not…

This study examined differences between men and women in intermediate and college algebra courses in an urban university's mathematics lab. Variables examined included grade, hours worked, semester course load, grade point average, time spent in mathematics lab, and age. Women had better course grades than men in intermediate and similar grades in…

Mathematics performance in 32 children with spina bifida was investigated at 3.8 through 8.8 years and two years later. About half showed mathematics difficulties. At the time of the second data collection, 28% of the subjects were identified with mathematics and other learning disabilities and with language impairments. Visual perception…

This study examined how family structure affected children's delinquency and math test scores, parenting practices as a mediator, and racial differences in these effects. Findings indicated that single parenthood related to reduced well-being among European American children, but not African American children. Cohabitation related to greater…

Analyzes a subsample of the study, "Learning Processes, Educational Careers, and Psychosocial Development in Adolescence and Young Adulthood," to examine the impact of homework. Focuses on German seventh-grade students (n=2123) in 132 classes. Reports that homework frequency had a positive effect on mathematics achievement. (CMK)

This study, third in a series using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88), demonstrates the usefulness of multidimensional representation of mathematics achievement as it extends analyses through grade 12. Findings support a distinction between mathematical reasoning and knowledge for two of the three test forms.…

Describes an activity for surveying the mathematical background required for various occupations. The activity is designed to influence students' attitudes toward mathematics. Provides materials and teaching hints for the activity. (YP)

Examined is the performance of men and women undergraduate students in mathematics using multiple-choice, relationship analysis, and true/false questions. Sex differences were reported. Implications of this research are suggested. (Author/YP)

Compares the mathematical understandings of 1983-85 elementary teachers with similar teachers of two earlier testing periods. Discusses the change in the measured mathematical competency levels of preservice and inservice elementary teachers with graphs and data tables. (YP)