This commentary articulates the need to investigate problems of mathematics instruction at community colleges. The authors briefly describe some features of this often-ignored institution and the current status of research. They also make an argument for how investigations of instruction in this setting can both advance understanding of this…

The field of mathematics education research has seen a resurgence of interest in understanding collaborative learning because students in K-12 classrooms are increasingly expected to make sense of mathematics problems together. This Research Commentary argues for the importance of understanding student authority relations in collaborative…

A plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the Agenda for Action of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is presented. Major dimensions of the evaluation model, research questions related to each agenda recommendation, approaches to an evaluation, and the dissemination of the agenda are considered. (MNS)

Advantages and disadvantages of nonexperimental paradigms in mathematics education are discussed. Suggestions are made for action toward establishing such designs as quality research. (MP)

Described is The Catalyst Conference convened by the Research Advisory Committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) to stimulate research on the effects of the NCTM "Standards for Curriculum and Evaluation" as a guide for change in mathematics education. Six focus areas were identified. (MDH)

A dialogue between Socrates and a researcher who claims to know what constitutes effective teaching is used to critique the implicit assumptions held by researchers. Teacher effectiveness research is criticized, and potential bridges for communication suggested. (MNS)

Confrey's article is criticized on the basis of unbalanced content coverage, distortions in the treatment of the content that is covered, and the lack of readiness to come to grips with the realities of classroom teaching. (MNS)

Several lines of needed research on teaching are discussed, including process-outcome research, structuring the content for clarity, teaching cognitive skills and problem-solving strategies, recitation and boardwork, seatwork and homework, conceptual change teaching, classroom organization and grouping, cooperative learning methods, sex equity,…

Discusses the historical context of mathematics education research methodologies, describes methodological trends through the "Journal for Research in Mathematics Education" focusing on the domain of teacher knowledge and practice, and considers theoretical and methodological issues of the present and future. (25 references) (MKR)

One major issue in the field of mathematics education is what type or types of research should play the critical role. Describes major research categories and applications, and elaborates on the future of mathematics education research toward consensus and rapprochement in this area. (Contains 26 references.) (ASK)

Presents research produced by the Standard Impact Research Group (SIRG), a research agenda for studying the influence and impact of Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. (Author/KHR)

Findings of 79 research reports were analyzed to assess the effects of calculators on student achievement and attitudes. Except in grade four, use of calculators in concert with traditional mathematics instruction improved average students' basic skills with paper and pencil, both in working exercises and in problem solving. (MNS)

A methodology for exploring limits and subtleties of children's construction of mathematical concepts and operations is described. It is believed that the failure to observe children's constructive processes firsthand denies a researcher the experimental base so crucial in formulating explanations of processes. Researchers are encouraged to teach…

Contains two parts: (1) excerpts from interviews with Thomas Kieren and Thomas Romberg, and (2) a discussion of the evolution of views of mathematical learning and understanding, including constructivist interpretations, situated cognition, innovative perspectives on classroom research, and the inclusion of a social-interactionist Vygotskian…

This listing of research related to mathematics education provides brief annotations for articles and dissertations (K-12) published in 1975. Studies on college-level and other post-secondary school levels are also listed, but without annotations. (SD)