Limitations in children's understanding of the symbols of arithmetic may inhibit choice of appropriate solution procedures. The teacher's role involves negotiation of new meanings for words and symbols to match extensions to solution procedures. (MKR)

Presents a summary report of a discussion subgroup of the Algebra Working Group at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematics Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. Argues that pre-algebra should be viewed as a continuation of arithmetic that asks different questions about numbers. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

Symbols occupy a pivotal position between processes to be carried out and concepts to be thought about. They allow us both to do mathematical problems and to think about mathematical relationships. In this presentation, the discontinuities that occur in the learning path taken by different students, leading to a divergence between conceptual and…

Addresses one of the more serious criticisms made concerning the Lacanian concept of the Real, that made by Francois Roustang, who accuses Lacan of intentionally blurring the two distinct registers of this concept. Wordsworth's poem, "We Are Seven," illustrates the Real as pure loss through its representation of family relations,…

Examines the concept of number sense in mathematics learning, compares this concept to that of phonological awareness in reading, and urges application of existing research to improving mathematics instruction for students with mathematical disabilities. Reviews research on building automaticity with basic facts, adjusting instruction to address…

This text is a verbatim transcription of an interview with John Bates, a former math coordinator for Metro-Toronto schools, and the Director of Inner City Education, Toronto, Canada. (The interview was conducted by Thomas C. O'Brien under the auspices of the Teachers' Center Project of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.) Much of the…

Three types of arithmetic algorithms are discussed and compared. These are algorithms designed to get the right answer, computer algorithms, and algorithms designed to get the right answer and understand why. (MP)

The differences between drill activities and practice activities and the reasons why there are differences are discussed. Two games that uses playing cards to provide students with untimed opportunities to practice their facts are described. (KR)

A description of De Morgan's life and work is followed with quotations of his thoughts and insights on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The purpose is to illustrate the sharpness of his ideas, his creative insights, and his wit for the enjoyment of the reader. (DC)

An attempt is made to establish a link between ordinary arithmetical situations and relevant mathematical concepts by the analyzing of complexity of concepts. (MP)

This classic reprint was first published in 1955. Fehr discusses how to determine what is taught, and makes specific comments on the roles of planning, meaning, practice, learning, and problem solving. (MNS)

Shortcomings of mathematics curricula are described and research on the use of sameness analysis with learning-disabled and at-risk students is outlined. The paper then illustrates how to teach addition-subtraction and multiplication-division relationships and their interrelationships in the context of solving word problems in mathematics.…

The problem of innumeracy in general and at the primary school level in particular is attributed to a structuralist design of instruction emphasizing an algorithmic approach to arithmetic. Offered is an alternative learning approach developing arithmetic as an informal context-bound activity tied to mental arithmetic and estimation. (MDH)