Tangible user interfaces (TUIs) are frequently used to teach children abstract concepts, in science and mathematics. TUIs offer a natural and immediate form of interaction that promotes active and hands-on engagement and allows for exploration and reflection. Tangible objects are representational artifacts in their essence, and they increase the…

This study examined the extent to which the iPad app, Spatial Temporal Mathematics (ST Math), diminished college remedial mathematics students' natural number bias and deepened their fraction conceptual understanding. In this quasi-experimental study one class played the ST Math fraction games for 8 weeks, and they were compared to a control class…

This constructivist teaching experiment investigated the role of whole-number knowledge in fraction learning. Two nine-year-old students worked for one year with a computer program (Copycat) and demonstrated that the development of whole-number knowledge and rational-number knowledge is interdependent. Contains 59 references. (KMC)

Studies two children working in the context of specially developed computer microworlds with a teacher/researcher for approximately 45 minutes a week for 50 weeks over a two-year period. Indicates that the operations and unit types associated with the children's whole-number sequences did not interfere with the reorganization of their fractional…

Explores ways to help children make connections between whole-number multiplication and their notion of a fraction. Illustrates an approach to constructing fraction concepts that builds on children's whole-number knowledge using specially designed computer tools. (KHR)

Describes how third grade students worked together to investigate relationships between fractions and percents using a spreadsheet tool. Highlights a dynamic classroom environment in which students and teachers work together as a community to learn and do mathematics. (ASK)

Proposes and analyzes game design as a learning environment for students and teachers to build upon and challenge their existing understandings of mathematics,to engage in relevant and meaningful learning contexts, and to develop connections among mathematical ideas and real-world contexts. Contains 55 references. (Author/ASK)

Describes computer software called Shemesh designed for learning equivalence-classes of fractions. Describes interviews with fifth-grade students who used the software in their learning activities. Evidence indicates initial actual development of desired mathematical concepts. (Author/MM)

The Proceedings of PME-XI has been published in three separate volumes because of the large total of 161 individual conference papers reported. Volume I contains four plenary papers, all on the subject of "constructivism," and 44 commented papers arranged under 4 themes. Volume II contains 56 papers (39 commented; 17 uncommented)…

Describes software tools designed to help students investigate relationships among representations of rational numbers that emphasize the part-whole model of a rational number. (KHR)

This material was produced by a task force of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to provide independent study projects for use in grades four through six. The major goals are as follows: (1) to encourage student research, investigation, and communication of mathematics through reporting and writing; (2) to provide activities that are…

A collection of articles from the journals "Arithmetic Teacher" and "Teaching Children Mathematics" provide ideas for the instruction and use of teacher-made instructional aids. Guidelines used to select articles for this collection called for the articles to have a clear purpose and be related to a contemporary topic in the elementary school…