This paper is a translation of a report on two Swedish investigations concerning children's lack of understanding of the quantitative value of numbers (specifically, decimals and fractions). (MN)

The results of this study indicate no significant differences on two achievement tests and one aptitude test between calculator and non groups. Nevertheless, the investigator notes several advantages of using the calculator. (MK)

Research findings on children's understanding of fractions, gleaned from interviews, are briefly noted. (MNS)

A process of teaching fractions is detailed that respects pupil ideas and concept images and builds on these in a way that helps children to develop personal algorithms. This approach is an attempt to get away from perceived one-sided views found in most textbooks. (MP)

The behavior of one child as she constructed knowledge about fractions over a nine-month period is presented. The intent is to explain behavioral patterns for which certain mental processes, called schemes, seem responsible. (MNS)

Three different models with continuous materials, discontinuous materials, and number lines were used to study the operation concept in six investigations on multiplication with fractions with pupils aged 11-12 in a Penang International School. All approaches could be understood by pupils, but they preferred the area and fractional models. (MNS)

Results of interviews with students regarding their conceptual understanding of fractions are discussed. Fewer than 10 percent had acquired an adequate conceptual base. (MP)

Decimal numbers have become an increasingly important topic of the elementary and junior high school mathematics curriculum. However, national and state education assessments indicate that students have incomplete and distorted conceptions of decimal numbers. This paper reports initial data from a two-year project designed to elicit and describe…

An extensive investigation of pupil understanding of fractions at the secondary education level showed the majority tended to avoid using fractions, could not generalize about them, and probably did not see them as an extension of the set of whole numbers. (MP)

The ideas and techniques involved in learning about fractions were investigated with students in grades 1-12, in the first 3 years of colleges, in community college mathematics courses, and in graduate school. Also included were some high school mathematics teachers, some mathematicians, and some retired persons. Part I provides the rationale and…

Thirty-five secondary school children were interviewed on a one-to-one basis using questions which involved concepts considered as basic to the notion of ratio. One implication of the study is that a doubling ability is no indication of the ability to tackle other ratio questions. (MN)

This exploratory study describes fourth-grade students' opinions and knowledge about fractions. A coherent and elaborate fraction knowledge base results when students establish connections between their conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge of fractions. One possible juncture between concepts and procedures might involve establishing…

The purpose of the two studies reported was to develop and validate clinical assessment instruments designed to identify both the progress of learners through a hierarchy of mathematics content and the mode of presentation through which learners can best handle the content. In Study 1, 73 second graders were given one of two forms of a 15-item…

Results obtained from 11- and 15-year-olds on tests of understanding of decimal place value and its influence on addition and subtraction skills are reported and discussed. (MNS)

Examples are given of the variety of mathematical concepts and problems being studied by psychologically oriented researchers in France. Work on decimals, circles, natural numbers, decimal and real numbers, and didactic transposition are included. Comments on designing research on mathematics concept formation conclude the article. (MNS)