Formulates a framework for characterizing elementary children's (n=20) statistical thinking based on a review of research and a cognitive development model, and refines it through a validation process. Proposes four thinking levels which represent a continuum from idiosyncratic to analytic reasoning. Results confirm the four levels of children's…

Examines U.S. and Chinese 6th grade students' mathematical thinking and reasoning involved in solving six process-constrained and six process-open problems. Concludes that the Chinese sample had a significantly higher mean score than the U.S. sample on the process-constrained tasks, but the sample of U.S. students had a significantly higher mean…

This pamphlet reviews five reports that highlight an emerging consensus among researchers about the value of systematically incorporating cognitive instruction into the elementary school curriculum. First is a comprehensive framework by Robert J. Marzano and C. L. Hutchins for an integrated approach to thinking skills that has been developed and…

Discusses prerequisites that help students develop multiple strategies for solving problems as recommended in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Curriculum and Evaluation Standards." Presents two examples of activities involving addition, subtraction, and permutations that promote multiple strategies. Suggests ways to…

The consistency of verbal and/or visual learning strategy and the effects of such strategies on the recall of concrete and abstract prose by third and fourth grade students were investigated. Using a learning strategy screening procedure, students were classified as demonstrating high, medium, or low dominance of verbal or visual learning…

Investigates different approaches of students from different cultures to problems and problem-solving strategies. Suggests ways to encourage students to use algebraic strategies. Provides some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

A study investigated the reason for the high performance of bilingual children on a syllogistic reasoning task. Thirty-nine Puerto Rican Spanish-English bilingual children in grades 3 through 6 were asked to solve problems in both languages. Response times were recorded, and the subjects were asked to justify their answers to assess to what extent…

Defines a generalization as "a descriptive statement of broad application indicating a relationship between two or more concepts." Argues that successful teaching about generalizations can only occur when students understand the relationship between concepts and facts. Discusses four issues and four approaches related to teaching…

This document contains the second volume of the proceedings of the 29th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Conference papers are centered around the theme of "Learners and Learning Environments." This volume features 43 research reports by presenters with last names beginning between Adl…