Describes a longitudinal constructivist teaching experiment analyzing children's ways of operating while solving fraction tasks. A case study of one third grader found that the evolution of her fraction schemes was the product of her cognitive activity and her collaborative interaction with the teacher. (42 references) (Author/MKR)

Researchers used a fifth-grade videodisc fractions program to examine accountability in mastery learning programs. Four classes were randomly assigned to two treatments (those who were and were not aware of participation in mastery learning). Results revealed standardized mean differences for achievement favoring knowledge of being in the mastery…

Describes a case study of a first-grade class in fractions, presents preliminary findings suggesting that students in others grades can learn fractions in similar ways, and offers ideas for action research. (MKR)

Discusses research findings that relate to teaching fractions for conceptual understanding. Gives teacher/student dialogues that illustrate the thought processes of students as they form part-whole and improper fraction concepts. (MDH)

Introduces the idea of using computer microworlds--interactive software for exploration of specific concepts--for mathematics education, the theme of this issue's articles. Discusses their development and the advantages of their use. Suggests that they can be successfully used for interactive teaching or for interpreting mathematics textbooks,…

Argues that intuitive and computational knowledge can be combined by focusing more explicitly on referential and quantitative meanings in division of fractions problems. Recommends teaching mathematics as problem solving, communication, reasoning, and connections to help students overcome misunderstandings and connect their intuitive knowledge…

Studies the co-emergence of teaching and children's construction of specific conceptions that support the generation of improper fractions in a constructivist teaching experiment with two fourth-grade students posing and solving tasks in a computer microworld. Reports that examination of the teacher's adaptation of learning situations (tasks) and…

Current reform documents in mathematics education recommend that teachers help students develop both conceptual and procedural understandings; however, teachers often do not possess the in-depth mathematical reasoning abilities necessary to accomplish this goal. Describes one way in which preservice teachers can come to better understand the…

Presents a teacher's experiences with teaching fractions by employing the constructivist approach. Concludes that children will go much further with depth, pleasure, and confidence if they are allowed to construct their own mathematics to make sense to them every step of the way. (ASK)

Describes computer software called Shemesh designed for learning equivalence-classes of fractions. Describes interviews with fifth-grade students who used the software in their learning activities. Evidence indicates initial actual development of desired mathematical concepts. (Author/MM)

This document is a collection of activity-based mathematics lessons for grades 5-8 from the "Ideas" department in "Arithmetic Teacher: Mathematics Education through the Middle Grades." Each lesson includes background information, objectives, directions, extensions, and student worksheets. A matrix is included which correlates…

This book is written to answer commonly asked homework questions of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Included are facts, charts, definitions, explanations, examples, and illustrations. Topics include ancient number systems; decimal system; math symbols; addition; subtraction; multiplication; division; fractions; estimation; averages; properties;…

This companion document to the instructor's guide for a course designed to prepare employees for statistical process control (SPC) training given at their workplace by refreshing math skills and building the concepts and vocabulary necessary to understand SPC in manufacturing environments. SPC-Prep 1 addresses the math skills necessary to perform…

This book is one in a series of teacher resource books developed to: (1) rescue students from the clutches of computers that drill and control; and (2) supply teachers with computer activities compatible with a mathematics program that emphasizes investigation, problem solving, creativity, and hypothesis making and testing. This is not a book…

Three short articles about mathematics and science braille are provided for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. The first article discusses the differences between the rules for English textbook format and the Nemeth Braille Code (for mathematics, science, and notation) format in transcribing the mathematical section of…