Presents (1) several activities on problem solving; (2) tips on creating a classroom climate favorable for problem-solving performance; and (3) a source of background materials for teachers. (JN)

Utilizing three exemplary problem-solving tasks within an arithmetic framework, this article discusses the four focal components deemed necessary for the improvement of mathematics teaching, namely task appropriateness, avenues of classroom discourse, the intellectual climate within the classroom, and proper and effective methods of analysis. (JJK)

Characteristics of mathematically gifted students are described, followed by sections on acceleration and enrichment, classroom organization and strategies, and teacher qualities. (MNS)

Benefits of Instant Logo are discussed. Activity cards are illustrated and suggestions for teaching the unit and managing the class are given. (MNS)

In using manipulative materials in an elementary mathematics classroom, each student can be placed in a cooperative-task group, with each member of the group interdependently performing a specific function. This article describes in detail an activity utilizing pentominoes that demonstrates how such a classroom management system can be…

A study on the use of individualization using programmed materials with individuals or cooperative learning teams is briefly described, with the findings noted. (MNS)

Presents an activity for representing a given number in as many ways as possible using short periods of time to develop students' number sense and provide the teacher the opportunity to make informal student assessment and diagnosis. Provides specific dialogue of the activity being used in a third grade class. (MDH)

A plan that incorporates diagnostic teaching, unit planning, and flexible grouping is described. It takes into account individual differences, the mathematics curriculum, and time available. Planning for the year, grouping, management, evaluation, and students' awareness are discussed. (MNS)

Proposes the technique of group discussions in the learning of mathematics. Examines the teacher's role in creating an environment that encourages student participation; presents four techniques to initiate discussions in elementary school classes; and offers five attributes teachers need to develop in students for effective discussions. (MDH)

Presents the elementary-level formative evaluation method of functional diagnosis that gives students immediate feedback on completed assignments. Gives three examples of the method as observed in the classrooms of master teachers: putting red dots next to problems needing attention; paired learning, and student answer keys. (MDH)

Describes an activity in which students utilize mathematical communication and reasoning skills to develop a class constitution. Students brainstorm rules for their classroom in cooperative-learning groups, classify them into categories, and justify their decision to the class. (MDH)

Describes three types of children's books for use in developing mathematical concepts. Discusses the characteristics of a good mathematical concept book, methods of incorporating reading into the mathematics class, and three examples of children's books. Includes a bibliography of 159 children's trade books selected for integration into…

Presents three features of "Good" questions: requires students to do more than simply remember a strategy to answer; promotes student learning while answering the question; and have several acceptable answers. Considers how questions can be used to cater to the range of student abilities. (MDH)

Many teachers use cooperative learning methods during instruction but face the problem of aligning evaluation techniques with that instruction. Described are methods to include cooperative problem solving in evaluation, including strategies to identify possible grading schemes, to make appropriate problem choices, and to evaluate individual versus…

Provides excerpts from videotaped dialogue between two third grade students and their interactions with their teacher while solving a counting problem to describe student thinking and communication during the task. Discusses the teachers' role in the dialogue and implications for classroom practice. (MDH)