This study of one part of the cognitive system of an illiterate Indian (his method of enumeration, computation, and evaluation) demonstrates the sophisticated conceptualization of which he is capable, independent of a writing system. (Author/CMG)

Presented is evidence suggesting that many of the 6 percent of children who have difficulty with arithmetic suffer from a neurological development lag rather than an underlying deficit. Such pupils appear to favor the right cerebral hemisphere, which serves spatial functions, rather than the left, analytic half of the brain. (Author/KC)

Children's solutions to simple word problems requiring addition or subtraction skills develop through four stages: (1) modeling with objects; (2) utilization of both modeling and counting strategies; (3) reliance on counting strategies; and (4) reliance on number facts. The current primary mathematics curriculum fails to capitilize on rich…

Explores mathematical methods children use to find answers for themselves. Describes some methods used for multiplication and subtraction problems. (YP)

The following two changes in conceptualizing learning difficulties are occurring: (1) a shift from identifying deficits to focusing on assessing knowledge and (2) the use of diagnoses that are more dynamic and domain specific. This article illustrates how these changes relate to knowledge of the learning process and to better instruction.…

Presents concluding remarks to a symposium, "The Social Organization of Knowledge and Practice." Focuses on high aptitude of persons in everyday situations to solve problems and make decisions. Addresses three questions: (1) What happens when a problem-solver reaches a situation involving calculation? (2) How does learning transfer take place? and…

Discussed is the meaning of the word "of" as is found in mathematical expressions that involve fractional numbers. The conceptual rather than numerical distinction is stressed. Teaching techniques regarding difficulties with this concept are suggested. (CW)

In order not to waste the time of the people working hard and sacrificing to become literate, literacy must offer them a real opportunity to change their life situation. Although many literacy programs are designed to fit the everyday lives and situations of their students, the same is not true for programs that teach arithmetic. Most adults…

The educational background of students termed "limited English proficient" (LEP) is discussed, with consideration of how that background might affect the LEP student's learning of arithmetic. Reasons why knowledge of background is important are first noted. Then examples of different ways to read and write numerals and differing subtraction and…

Introduces a collection of papers presented at a symposium on the situationally-specific character of problem-solving practices. Reports that findings provoke speculation about relations among social contexts, knowledge and activity, and relations between school-learned problem-solving techniques and those used in other settings. (KH)