Children's difficulties remembering correct algorithms for operations with fractions are traced to difficulties in the instructional sequence. Many teachers "teach mistakes" by failing to provide sufficient referents for their pupils. (MP)

Discusses the use and adaptation of alternative assessment procedures such as observation, interviewing, holistic scoring, checklists, and reading of student journals, to accurately determine the progress of students with learning difficulties. Includes scoring rubrics and many samples of student evaluation. (MKR)

Discussed are different aspects of interviewing that will help a teacher to learn weaknesses and strengths of students' mathematical thinking. Information learned from the students can have a dramatic effect on what is taught, when it is taught, how it is taught, and how a child's progress is evaluated. (RH)

Discusses results of an action research study of second-grade students' group work which indicated that, when students were not given sample solutions for problems, they were more likely to use higher order thinking, take ownership of strategies, discuss solutions longer, and be more accepting of other views. (MKR)

Research findings on children's understanding of fractions, gleaned from interviews, are briefly noted. (MNS)

Questioned is a method of having students tap reference points on numerals to count out sums, differences, and products. How the method works, educators' reactions, and problems noted in interviews with children are discussed. (MNS)

Requirements for assessment under Public Law 94-142, the development of an Individualized Education Program for each handicapped child, the least restrictive environment, handicapping conditions, implementation procedures, diagnostic teaching strategies and learning conditions, teaching ideas, and a format for diagnostic interviews are each…

Discussed are number meaning and part-whole relationships concerning place value. Findings from a research study with students in grades two-five who were interviewed about place-value tasks are given. Stages of interpreting two-digit numbers are presented, with implications for the classroom. (MNS)

Described is an alternative way for classroom teachers to assess students' performance in mathematics. The interview process is presented in stages: initiating the interview, the questioning stage, formulating and testing hypotheses, and intervention. (KR)