This article presents a Vygotsky-inspired analysis of how a teacher mediated a "thinking aloud" whole-group discussion in a 6th grade mathematics classroom. This discussion centered on finding patterns in a triangular array of consecutive numbers as a phase towards building recursive and direct algebraic formulas. By a "thinking aloud" discussion…

This paper examines the change in young children's understanding of "equal", "more", "less", and "between", words commonly used in equivalent and non-equivalent situations, over a 3-year period. Seventy-six children participated in the longitudinal study. Each year they were asked to share their understanding of these four words. Past research has…

Suggests that trivialized versions of constructivism are promulgated due to misunderstandings of vocabulary adopted by its advocates. Discusses specifics of frustrations in an effort to communicate the insights and implications of radical and social constructivist theories to preservice and practicing teachers. Presents a classroom episode to show…

Described are the methodology of MUT (Mathematical Understanding of Taiwan Students) program and CSMS (Concepts in Secondary Mathematics and Science) program. This study compared languages, learning motivations, and teaching methods in Taiwan and England using the two programs. Some implications for mathematics education are discussed. (YP)

Identified are variables affecting performance of algebraic word problems for eighth graders. An appropriate readability level would seem necessary but not sufficient for student success. The structural variables used appeared to be good predictors of both the correct strategies and solving time. (Author/YP)

A longitudinal study investigated whether or not discussion in the mathematical classroom was an aid to understanding. This preliminary analysis showed that evidence to support the hypothesis has been limited. A method of classification of mathematical talk is described. (Author/YP)

Investigated were Australian and Papua New Guinean elementary school children's strategies and errors on arithmetic word problems. Reports that (1) the two samples showed similar strategies and similar errors and (2) the main variable determining difficulty was the semantic structure of the questions. (YP)