Reported are suggestions indicated by research studies to eight questions concerning the teaching of rational numbers. (1) Can young children learn fractional concepts? Answer: Manipulative materials are of value to learning in the primary grades. (2) How should the common denominator be determined? Answer: Both factoring and equivalent fractions…

Reported are the suggestions indicated by research studies to six questions concerning individualizing classroom instruction. (1) What factors should be considered? Answer: No one way is best, but consideration should be given to factors of achievement, interest, content, method, ability, personality, and socioeconomic status. (2) Are sex…

This bulletin serves as a guide to those persons interested in conducting or implementing educational research. Research is described as being "controlled inquiry", either in the form of an experiment or a survey. Descriptions are given of the procedures and complications associated with planning and initiating experimental research. A suggested…

This paper reports on the answers indicated by research studies to six questions concerning instructional planning. (1) When should we begin systematic instruction? Answer: Grade one or kindergarten. (2) How should the content be organized? Answer: A structured sequential development incorporating activities. (3) How should schools be organized?…

Research investigating the performance of students in grades 4 through 7 on varying items involving the distributive property is reported; results, showing low performance levels, are analyzed. (DT)

This paper reports on the answers indicated by research studies to nine questions concerning the teaching of multiplication and division. (1) Should multiplication facts be memorized? Answer: Yes, at an appropriate time. (2) How should multiplication be conceptualized? Answer: Normally addition of equal addends; sometimes arrays or…

Reported are the suggestions indicated by research studies to seven questions concerning what is known about the teaching and learning of mathematics. (1) What factors influence the learner's achievement? Answer: Age, intelligence, and the amount of structuring present in the materials. (2) Are there guides for motivation? Answer: Games, concrete…

The ability of 135 first, second, and third grade classes to solve open sentences involving sums between 10 and 18 was investigated. Performance appeared to be related to grade level, operation, the position of the placeholder, and the existence of a solution within the set of whole numbers. (Author/DT)

Traces the development of elementary mathematics curriculum and instruction from colonial times to the present. Each section emphasizes four major issues: Why teach mathematics? What mathematics should be taught? How should the mathematics we teach be organized? How should we organize and implement instruction? Also included are several items…

The author strongly questions the arbitrary and random usage of diverse experiences, labs, games and activities in the mathematics classroom. He urges that teachers not substitute these activities for carefully planned, sequential mathematics instruction. (CT)

This bulletin provides a review of research studies which relate to the uses of instructional materials and media in elementary school mathematics. The studies cited pertain to the following questions: (1) What may we learn from analyses of mathematics textbooks? (2) Does programmed instruction facilitate achievement? (3) What other factors have…

This bulletin gives an overview of research studies which pertain to the verbal problem-solving ability of elementary school children. Studies included relate directly to the following questions: (1) What factors are related to problem solving ability? (2) What are the characteristics of good problem solvers? (3) How important is reading to…

This annotated bibliography lists research related to mathematics teaching and learning published in the United States in 1972. Each annotation gives major results and grade level of the study. The first section lists research summaries which review groups of research studies. The second section contains research reports which appeared in major…

Findings based on problem-solving research are summarized. Teaching strategies to help children become more successful problem solvers are indicated. (JT)