Research on the attitudes of elementary school pupils toward mathematics is briefly summarized. Included are the points that most elementary school children like mathematics and that few differences are found between the attitudes of boys and girls. Some suggestions on what teachers can do to improve attitudes are given. (MNS)

Attitudes of 50 eighth-grade students are reported as gleaned from written instruments and comments made during individual interviews. The importance of mathematics, reasons why they liked or disliked mathematics, and their rating of topics are included. (MNS)

Ideas are presented to help teachers bring some excitement into their classes and help children view mathematics as an enjoyable learning experience. It is felt that the introduction of the activities can help transform mathematics classes into true learning centers, lessen mathematics anxiety, and encourage increased student involvement. (MP)

Describes common beliefs of students about the nature of mathematics and discusses the implications of the student beliefs for problem solving and for teaching. (PK)

Performance assessment, a method that makes possible the assessment of multiple dimensions of students' progress, including dispositions, is described. Criteria for good performance tasks are given, and their structure is illustrated through an example. A list of 10 dispositions toward mathematics and a self-evaluation group-performance rating…

Discussed is the educational system in the nation of Japan with a special emphasis on elementary mathematics instruction. The amount of time spent on various subjects, observations in Japanese classrooms, Juku, and the use of technology are discussed. (CW)

Information is provided on results from the Second International Mathematics Study conducted in 1981-82 in 236 eighth-grade classrooms in the United States. Content taught, teacher characteristics, types of instruction, attitudes, knowledge, and comparisons with students in other countries are discussed. (MNS)

Procedures to overcome four major factors that cause many middle-school-aged students to lose interest in, and start having trouble with, learning mathematics are discussed. The factors are identified as consisting of more difficult mathematical content, students' orientation toward concrete learning, peer influence, and students' rapid physical…

Presented are practical activities relevant to teaching mathematics in the American Indian culture that can be used in the non-Indian classroom. Discussed are tessellations, exercises that allow for artistic creativity and geometric exploration. The use of Pascal's triangle is included. (KR)