The study of fractions is fundamental in mathematics, yet it is among the most difficult topics for school students. This digest discusses the issues that students face in studying fractions and offers a curriculum consisting of four modules for teaching about fractions. Information about the Rational Number Project, additional resources, and…

Learning mathematics with understanding is the vision of school mathematics recommended by the National Council of Teachers of School Mathematics (NCTM). In order to design and develop learning environments that promote understanding efficiently, teachers need to be aware of student difficulties in learning mathematics. Drawing from the research…

The principal focus of this brief report is on findings and observations from relatively recent research on the learning of mathematics. The distinction between learning and the concepts of curriculum and instruction is first reviewed. Then Piaget's theory of intellectual development is discussed, with the conclusion that it does not provide a…

Included are a list of research summaries and annotations of articles and dissertations listed by author within each category. For each reference, the grade or age level is indicated. Articles and dissertations are indexed by mathematics education topics, and a list of the journals covered is included. Over 400 references are cited. (CW)

While 1990 was the year of reform recommendations in mathematics education, 1991 may become the year of assessment in mathematics education. The growth of assessment activities stems from the belief that the primary purpose of assessment is the improvement of teaching. The digest reviews trends in mathematics assessment. Discussed are the sudden…

This digest reviews the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics." Topics summarized are: (1) rationale; (2) underlying assumptions; (3) five goals for students; (4) framework for curriculum; (5) standards for each grade cluster; (6) standards for general assessment, student…

Two groups of students at risk of not developing adequate mathematical knowledge and skills are (1) the "typical or usual" and (2) "the nominal mathematics students"--those who do not achieve at a satisfactory level in mathematics and/or do not enroll in mathematics courses beyond typical required courses. This digest provides…

Many school staff and their client communities are concerned about pupil achievement, skills, and attitudes related to mathematics. To respond to these concerns, staff need to determine how they can improve their elementary mathematics programs by modifying the content and skills emphasized in the curriculum, changing and supplementing…

This document provides research-based information to help school district personnel select appropriate mathematics education programs for their limited English proficient (LEP) elementary school students. A review of the mathematics education literature is discussed in the context of the reform movement in school mathematics. Two instructional…

Written for teachers in elementary and middle schools and for personnel at outdoor education centers, this publication is the second in an ERIC/CRESS series on utilizing outdoor education methodologies to enhance the academic curriculum. The resource guide suggests ways of getting students interested in arithmetic and mathematics and how to make…

This digest suggests that research findings can provide teachers with verification and clarification of how children learn mathematics, and thus how to teach mathematics more effectively. Three topics are discussed: (1) number concepts; (2) problem solving; and (3) manipulative materials. (PK)

Of all the reform recommendations being made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, making mathematical connections is among the more difficult to achieve, yet is so helpful in motivating students in the early grades. Mathematical connections can relate mathematical topics to students' daily lives and to other mathematical topics but…

Suggestions for using four-function calculators, programmable calculators, and microcomputers are considered in this collection of 36 articles. The first section contains articles considering general implications for mathematics curricula implied by the freedom calculators offer students from routine computation, enabling them to focus on results…

Presented is a 1981 revision of a pamphlet first published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in 1959. The primary purpose of this pamphlet is to provide a comprehensive listing of mathematics tests available that may assist educators in meeting their evaluation needs. Tests covering mathematics from primary school through…

This "letter to teachers" suggests reasons teachers should be interested in research findings. Research findings in several areas are summarized and interpreted so that they are useful to teachers of elementary school mathematics. Among the areas that are highlighted are: (1) time allocation; (2) low achievement; (3) active teaching; (4)…