The use of neurolinguistic programming techniques is suggested as a means of enhancing rapport with students. Mirroring, digital mirroring, analog mirroring, metaphors, knowing persons, and how these aid in presenting content are each discussed. (MNS)

Discusses students' preconceptions of randomness and offers an alternative way to think about the concept using the idea of complexity. That is, the randomness of a sequence can be measured by the difficulty of encoding it. Methods of judging complexity and implications for teaching are discussed. (Contains 30 references.) (MKR)

The goals of the Research Council for Diagnostic and Prescriptive Mathematics (RCDPM) and the extent to which they are being realized are considered. Also discussed is the role of RCDPM in the broader mathematics education community, as well as some challenges and future directions. (MNS)

Factors which appear to positively affect student motivation are discussed. Sixteen suggestions from research for motivating students are listed, and references are included. (MNS)

Reviews visualization research concerning the objects of visualization, the visualization process, and visualization in educational situations. Teaching procedures, the role of material and the social environment, and how the individual interacts with that environment are described. (YP)

Discusses Vygotsky's theories about concept formation, his distinctions between everyday and theoretical concepts, and how empirical generalizations can lead to misconceptions. Examines the implications of these theories for mathematics instruction and its relationship to the current mathematics reform. (34 references) (MDH)

A set of brief reflections about different aspects of mathematical errors and their roles in education is given. The nature and variety of errors and their positive use in learning mathematics are highlighted. (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)

Discusses three purposes of mathematics clinics, indicating that the resultant organizational structure of a particular clinic and the underlying values are intimately related to the identified purposes and that the precise character of a clinic is based on the relative emphasis ascribed to the different purposes. (JN)

Describes a method of teaching the order of mathematical operations based upon the psychological theory of conceptual generalization. (MDH)

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

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)

An algebra test administered to (n=18) first-year college students found a disregard for negative numbers, ineffective use of counterexamples, misapplication of rules, and a lack of a good grasp of relevant mathematical terminology. (12 references) (MKR)

Evidence on learning problems due to dyscalculia is surveyed. Definitions, factors responsible for dyscalculia, split-brain research and hemispheric roles, mathematics learning problems and personality, materials for instruction, and levels of knowing mathematics are among the topics discussed with an extensive list of references. (MNS)

Four different conceptions of error-making from a pedagogical perspective are developed. Using errors as springboards for learning is advocated, so that better understanding of content and of the nature of mathematics results. (MNS)