The Education Week Spotlight on Improving Math Fluency is a collection of articles hand-picked by editors for their insights on the importance of math fact fluency, the challenges students face with word problems, how teachers can optimize how they introduce math facts and better support students, how early math supports help vulnerable students,…

Discusses how to help students avoid some pervasive reasoning errors in solving cumulative percent problems. Discusses the meaning of ."%+b%." the additive inverse of ."%." and other useful applications. Emphasizes the operational aspect of the cumulative percent concept. (KHR)

This paper asserts that the key to algebra reform is to integrate algebraic reasoning across all grades and all topics, to "algebrafy" school mathematics. The distinction is made between algebra "the institution" and algebra "the web of knowledge and skill," which is also clarified. Finally, suggestions are made as to how the educational community…

Argues that the challenge for teachers of algebra in Australia is to find ways of making the structural aspects of algebra accessible to a greater percentage of students. Uses the zero product principle to provide an example of a common student error grounded in the difficulty of understanding the structure of algebra. (DDR)

Presents several examples of investigations which demonstrate the following: (1) algebra is connected to other mathematical topics; (2) algebra is an effective tool for representing patterns and relationships; and (3) algebra is an effective tool for analyzing patterns. (DDR)

Discusses the emergence of electronic performance support systems and describes some of the ways in which electronic performance support is now influencing learning strategies in elementary and secondary schools. Examples are given that involve writing, music, graphic arts, and algebra, and future directions are suggested. (LRW)

This document consists of three related items. The first brief paper describes the components of a cumulative daily review program and its origins, rationale, and outcomes. The review-as-you-go (RAYG) format entails planning cumulative examinations and providing review problems each day. The procedure once was routinely used; today it is…

This book offers ideas to enrich instruction and help teachers explore the intrinsic beauty of math. Through dozens of examples from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and probability, the symmetries, patterns, processes, paradoxes, and surprises that have facilitated generations of great thinkers are revealed. Activities include: (1) The Beauty in…

Discussion of the use of virtual reality (VR) to help students learn highlights the use of VR with elementary algebra. Learning theory is examined, including knowledge construction; knowledge representation is discussed, including the symbol systems of algebra; and spatial algebra is described and illustrated. (34 references) (LRW)

Provides Terrapin LOGO programs that use graphic manipulatives--squares, logs, and units--to form the area of a rectangle as a graphical representation for any trinomial of the form: Axx + Bx + C. An important component is the connection of the procedural skill of trinomial factoring to the visualization of the accompanying rectangular displays.…

Investigates the arithmetic and algebra word problem-solving skills and strategies of future primary and secondary school teachers. Describes the evolution of these skills and strategies from the beginning to the end of teacher education. Indicates that, in the education of preservice primary and secondary school teachers, there is need for an…

Provided is an example of the use of the Pythagorean Theorem to give learners experience in applying mathematical rules. A proof for the theorem is included. Precautions and alternatives are discussed. (CW)

The Mathematics Education Research Group of Australia (MERGA) was officially constituted in 1980. In 1984, MERGA produced the first review of the mathematics education research carried out in that region. This book is the third in that series of research reviews. An overview provides the context in which the Australian research was conducted and…

Discusses how a single problem can be utilized to discuss mathematical skills and concepts at several different levels. Presents a problem involving fractions examined at the following four levels according to the abilities of the students: (1) finding solutions; (2) identifying methods for finding solutions; (3) exploring similar examples; and…

Small-group cooperative learning provides an alternative to both traditional whole-class expository instruction and individual instruction systems. The procedures described in this volume are realistic, practical strategies for using small groups in mathematics teaching and learning with methods applicable to all age levels, curriculum levels, and…