Describes a professional development program for upper elementary and middle school teachers that includes a sequence of four activities designed to foster improved understanding of the connections among measurement, ratio, scale, and proportion. (YDS)

Reanalyzes data obtained in 1987 on mental calculation strategies used by 11-year-olds in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Classifies mental strategies developed in the past decade in international research. Compares frequency and effectiveness of the strategies used by pupils of different levels of attainment. Discusses basic arithmetic…

Described is an activity in which groups of students investigate engineering principles by writing a feasibility study to raise the luxury liner, Titanic. The problem statement and directions, and suggestions for problem solutions are included. (CW)

A methodology for calculating the return on training investment is described. The method covers attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of participants as well as effectiveness in organizational improvement. Output, time savings, quality improvements, and "soft data" on effectiveness are set against costs. (TJH)

Research findings concerning student learning difficulties in algebra are discussed. A teaching approach which takes into consideration these findings is suggested. Encouraging students to see patterns and to develop flexibility in their thinking are stressed. (CW)

Solutions for a problem in which the time necessary for an object to fall into the sun from the average distance from the earth to the sun are presented. Both calculus- and noncalculus-based solutions are presented. A sample computer solution is included. (CW)

Presented are two cases of simple geometrical calculations involving the large numbers of atoms that are encountered in two ordinary situations. Included are questions about the spatial implications of the genome and a mole of hydrogen. (CW)

The solution to this problem is discussed using the same calculations as when calculating the temperature of a planet. The confirmation of these calculations by doing an experiment is described. (CW)

Investigates the development of understanding of multiplication from the early school years through to the top primary age group. Identifies the children's difficulties and analyzes their solution strategies. Reports that progressive abstraction is related to the children's developing understanding of number and to their procedures for addition.…

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Identifies four causes of confusion in reading mathematics related to numbers, symbols and sentences, vocabulary, and directionality. Discusses techniques for overcoming each type of the confusion. (YP)

Presents an easy method for constructing magic squares from three-by-three to general squares. Provides a computer program generating odd-order magic squares. Six references are listed. (YP)

Discusses activities using base-10-block skits to teach number system concepts in first grade classrooms. Describes the students' responses to the activities. (YP)

Discusses ways to incorporate language into the teaching of mathematics and involve students more fully in mathematical processes. Describes classroom teaching practice with and without writing. Lists 11 references. (YP)

Reviews research that has led to new ways of understanding mathematical development in young children. Covers research on information processing theory and cognitive science. (BB)