This book introduces students to the types of problems and processes used throughout the "Reshaping Mathematics for Understanding" series. The problems in this unit deepen students' understanding of mathematics by encouraging them to clarify concepts and challenge their own assumptions. Additionally, by providing opportunities to give and follow…

Describes seven spatial abilities related to mathematics including eye-motor coordination, figure-ground perception, perceptual constancy, position-in-space perception, perception of spatial relationships, visual discrimination, and visual memory. Discusses the relationship of the spatial abilities to the study of geometry. Lists 19 references.…

Children are seen to need positive experiences with spatial words in order to be successful at understanding the concepts. If teaching methods used are mindful of the intricacies of understanding spatial communication, pupils will have the necessary positive initial experiences. Teaching suggestions for achieving positive effects are detailed. (MP)

Language arts (oral and written communication), physical education (communication with motor skills), and mathematics (communication with words and symbols), are seen to present the most natural environment for instruction on spatial relations. Activities are suggested which can combine these areas and provide pupils with an enjoyable learning…

Presents an activity involving students in the creation of polyhedra which enables them to understand the characteristics and develop a clear definition of different polyhedra for themselves. This activity helps develop spatial ability by encouraging students to experiment with creating models of polyhedra while using a wide variety of polygons…

Discusses the extent of students' difficulties with spatial structuring in volume and packing problems. Explains how to help students develop more powerful ways of thinking about such problems. (ASK)

Discusses teaching geometric concepts, including various shapes, patterns, and areas based on the NCTM Standards. Presented are activities for the geometric concepts. (YP)

Describes two instructional activities to develop spatial imagery and the pupil's responses to these activities. Discusses how the classroom atmosphere contributed to the success of the activities. (YP)

Long-documented gaps between male and female performance on tests of spatial mathematics ability are discussed. Possible explanations are offered, and suggestions are put forth for cultivating spatial relationships ability in girls through sports and other activities. (PB)

Presents techniques for developing spatial visualization while dealing with concepts of area, proportion, and symmetry. Provides the objectives, directions, extensions, answers, and worksheets for each of the four activities. Describes involving parents. (YP)

This is volume 3 of the series of translations of books from the Soviet literature on research in the psychology of mathematics instruction and on teaching methods influenced by the research. This volume presents a detailed and careful technical analysis of the constituent aspects underlying spatial thinking as well as interesting reports of…

Describes four activities to develop visualization skills and the concept of dimensionality in which students (1) visualize transforming figures between the second and third dimensions; (2) identify the three-dimensional objects from their two-dimensional projections; (3) conjecture about the vertices, edges, and faces of zero- to four-dimensional…

This is volume 4 of the series of translations of books from the Soviet literature on research in the psychology of mathematics instruction and on teaching methods influenced by the research. The introduction to this English language translation highlights the fact that significant advances have been made in the understanding of both the…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has articulated goals in the pursuit of mathematics literacy that include learning to value mathematics, becoming confident in one's mathematics abilities, becoming a mathematical problem solver, learning to communicate mathematically, and learning to reason mathematically. Literature that…

This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critical comments for 13 published reports of research in mathematics education. Topics include: (1) effects of mathematics anxiety on preservice elementary teachers; (2) visualizing rectangular solids; (3) computer simulations and abstract thinking; (4) the association of foldout shapes with…