Proposes elements of a model of knowledge structures used in comprehending and generating graphs. Uses the competence model to attempt to organize and interpret findings on misconceptions in graphing. Discusses two types of common misconceptions; treating the graph as a picture and slope-height confusions. (YP)

Presents the major findings identified by a commission that examined research issues in diagnostic and prescriptive mathematics. Addresses the diagnostic process with regard to curriculum, instruction, learners, teacher education, clinics, and the mathematics education community. (TW)

Tests of (n=105) ninth-grade algebra students involving the addition and multiplication of monomials found that common, systematic errors made when multiplying monomials were related logically to the symbolism used and the algebraic convention of using an implicit 1 as an exponent. (16 references) (MKR)

Differences in the meaning of the terms "learning" and "achievement" are discussed, with implications for appraisal, placement, curriculum, and instruction. Visual discrimination learning, paired associate learning, adapting to learning, and learning to learn are illustrated with references to learning disabled students. (MNS)

Provides a review of the literature related to math anxiety, indicating that society needs to eradicate the myth that females are more anxious about mathematics than males. Several options for eliminating math avoidance and math anxiety are considered. (JN)

Investigates the relationship between the strategies used by preservice elementary teachers in geometric problem solving and two primary mental abilities--spatial visualization and formal reasoning. Reports that the two abilities were related to problem-solving performance, and the strategies used were related to achievement in the geometry…

Two authors introduce the topic of visualization in mathematics education. Fourteen articles are briefly described. (YP)

Describes Math Clinic, a remedial program to diagnose and remediate elementary school students' mathematical concepts. Provides details about the program's objectives; student recruitment; how to apply to the program; diagnosis and identification of participants' achievement, mathematical difficulties, and attitudes toward mathematics; and…

Describes school effectiveness characteristics and student characteristics in schools that made an improvement in academic achievement of Black students. The characteristics were orderly environment, clear school mission, high expectations, opportunity to learn, and frequent monitoring. (YP)

Deals with the issue of visualization as it is related to the learning of mathematics in multicultural classrooms. Discusses the importance and the role of visualization in multicultural classrooms. (YP)

Reports a study to explore student's computational performance on computer-administered testing situations while at the computer. Students from grades 3-6 (n=100) were randomly assigned to treatment order, computer assessment first or paper/pencil assessment first. Significant differences occurred in three areas: completion time, number of mental…

Reviewed 12 currently available mathematics assessment tools to determine whether they would be appropriate for use in a college-level mathematics clinic. Tests were assigned to two domains: cognitive and mathematical content. Major deficiencies of the tests are cited. (Contains 15 references.) (MDH)

Contains a research based discussion of the importance of teacher expectations. Lists 20 suggestions from research that will help facilitate positive and realistic self-concepts in students. (PK)

Examines the options of academic acceleration and enrichment for maintaining high levels of challenge, interest, and achievement in children who are extremely gifted in mathematics. Recommends acceleration combined with enrichment as the best option. (34 references) (MKR)

Discusses the use of the computer to encourage a versatile approach to learning involving both symbolic/logical and visual/holistic types of mental activity. Provides experimental data showing the effect of an enhanced Socratic mode of teaching. (YP)