Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize education by enhancing quality, fairness, and efficiency. However, equitable access to these technologies remains a challenge. ILSAs (international large-scale assessments) have shown that the relationship between digital use and performance varies across countries and over time. To fully…

In 2010, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's Education Program has established the Deeper Learning Initiative, which focuses on students' development of deeper learning skills (i.e., the mastery of core academic content, critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and "learn-how-to-learn" skills). Two test…

This study was designed to investigate whether the implementation and integration of the use of the Explorer Calculator into the curriculum influenced students in grades three through six. The sample consisted of approximately 440 students who were assigned to the treatment group or the control group. Achievement scores from the Iowa Test of Basic…

Argues that, because problem solving has two aspects, a thinking process and a final product, a good evaluation requires consideration of both aspects. A holistic scoring point system is described. (PK)

Within the next two decades, calculators will be standard tools in mathematics classrooms. They should be used regularly but carefully in classroom instruction and testing to allow use of realistic data and exploration of mathematical concepts, but not to allow finding the answer without understanding the question. (MSE)

Problem solving by example is an intermediate step toward mastering problem-solving heuristics. Discussed are problem-solving processes by using two problem examples. Emphasized are heuristics cataloging in a problem-solving log, and approaches to solutions, not the solutions themselves. (YP)

Examines the students' understanding of mathematical structure and the relationship between problem solving and the identification of the structure in 13 word problems. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to assess how subjects organized word problems in their minds. (YP)

Provides guidelines for developing and implementing lessons using selections from children's literature as meaningful and appropriate contexts for solving word problems. Selection procedures, materials for constructing the characters, and two sample problems are provided. Lists 15 references. (YP)

In most mathematics problem solving work, students' motivation comes from trying to please their teachers or to earn a good grade. The questions students must tackle are almost never generated by their own interest. Seven open-ended college algebra-level problems are presented in which the solution of one question suggests other related questions.…

This is the final test for students in the twelfth-grade course Mathematics 30, offered in schools in Alberta, Canada. Intended for administration in January 1987, it is available in both English and French. It contains 52 multiple-choice questions and 3 written-response problems, with 2.5 hours allowed for completion. Approved calculators may be…

This is a sample of the final test for students in mathematics at the sixth-grade level in Alberta (Canada) schools. The test contains multiple-choice items and is divided into two sections. Section 1 contains 55 items related to numeration, operations and properties, measurement, geometry graphing, and problem solving. Section 2 consists of five…

Described is the Delaware Elementary Mathematics League; a state mathematics competition for grades 4-6. Included are specific sample test items and a discussion of how they can nurture the development of problem-solving skills. Sample tests are also discussed. (CW)

Suggests that, although questions are often used to help students or stimulate student thinking, questions can also be used to help evaluate student thinking and attitudes about problem solving. Sample problems and questions are given. (PK)

How children give meaning to problems solved by multiplying or dividing is considered. After showing two cases of children's understanding of multiplication problems, six recommendations for classroom practice are presented. (YP)

Reports on specific problem-solving difficulties of 240 chemistry teachers from 5 Nigerian states who volunteered to take part in 3 written tests and an interview. Describes the contrasts between successful and unsuccessful problem solvers, and discusses the pedagogical and psychological implications of the findings. (16 references) (JJK)