Although approximately 5-8% of students have a mathematical learning disability (MLD), researchers have yet to develop a consensus operational definition. To examine how MLD has been identified and what mathematics topics have been explored, the authors conducted a systematic review of 165 studies on MLD published between 1974 and 2013. To move…

Contains two parts: (1) excerpts from interviews with Thomas Kieren and Thomas Romberg, and (2) a discussion of the evolution of views of mathematical learning and understanding, including constructivist interpretations, situated cognition, innovative perspectives on classroom research, and the inclusion of a social-interactionist Vygotskian…

Increased use of cooperative learning methods is a visible change in mathematics education in the last decade. Research questions on cooperative learning concerning different models employed, their effectiveness compared to traditional methods of instruction, their effects on student achievement, and cognitive and affective benefits gained during…

Provides an interpretation of the influence of constructivist thought on mathematics educators starting around 1960 and proceeding up to the present time, including Piaget's cognitive-development psychology, a preconstructivist revolution in research, beginnings of the constructivist revolution, and how this revolution served as a period of…

Although many articles in the education literature recommend how to teach statistics more effectively, there is little published research on how students actually learn statistics concepts. The literature reviewed in this paper indicates a need for collaborative, cross-disciplinary research on how students come to think correctly about probability…

In an attempt to bridge the perceived distinction between internalized conceptions of mathematics and their external representations, this discussion treats mathematics both as an individual, constructive activity and as a communal, social practice. It is argued that this approach might transcend the tripartite scheme of teacher, student, and…

Discusses research on affective issues as it has developed over the life of the "Journal for Research in Mathematics Education," (JRME), including student beliefs and mathematics learning, emotional responses to mathematics, and new approaches to affective issues. (43 references) (MKR)

Provides a brief overview of past research in mathematical problem solving, discusses the apparent recent decline in research in this area, and suggests some issues and questions that should be the focus of research. (42 references) (MKR)

Reviewed and analyzed are studies on task-related verbal interactions among students in small groups in mathematics classrooms and their links to mathematics achievement. Factors that predict group interaction are considered and research-based strategies for shaping group interaction are discussed. (MDH)