In this research, pre-service mathematics teachers were asked to prepare scenarios about what possible misconceptions might be in the classroom teaching process and how a solution strategy could be used based on the cognitive conflict approach in order to overcome these misconceptions. Based on these scenarios, it is aimed to determine what type…

Algebraic thinking in children can bridge the cognitive gap between arithmetic and algebra. This quantitative study aimed to develop and test a cognitive model that examines the cognitive factors influencing algebraic thinking among Year Five pupils. A total of 720 Year Five pupils from randomly selected national schools in Malaysia participated…

This study reports findings of a systematic replication and as such sought to evaluate effects of an early numeracy curriculum on early number sense attainment for Kindergarten students with autism. Through daily 15-min story-based math lessons with embedded systematic instruction delivered by their classroom teacher, participants learned to…

Virtual manipulatives are an emerging intervention to support students with disabilities in mathematics. Through a multiple probe across participants design, researchers examined use of an intervention package consisting of a virtual manipulative (i.e., the Two-Color Counter app-based manipulative) and the system of least prompts (SLP) to support…

Mathematical ideas from number theory, group theory, dynamical systems, and computer science have often been used to explain card tricks. Conversely, playing cards have been often used to illustrate the mathematical concepts of probability distributions and group theory. In this paper, we describe how the 21-card trick may be used to illustrate…

As an alternative to looking solely at linear functions, a three-lesson learning progression developed for Year 6 students that incorporates triangular numbers to develop children's algebraic thinking is described and evaluated.

The importance of understanding the various uses of the literal symbol in algebra, and in particular the idea of generalised number, is well documented in the literature. Many research findings have also reported student difficulties with this vital and central concept. This research study examines the use of a combination of historical and…

Four proofs, designed for classroom use in varying levels of courses on abstract algebra, are given for the converse of the classical Chinese Remainder Theorem over the integers. In other words, it is proved that if m and n are integers greater than 1 such that the abelian groups [double-struck z][subscript m] [direct sum] [double-struck…

This note generalizes the formula for the triangular number of the sum and product of two natural numbers to similar results for the triangular number of the sum and product of "r" natural numbers. The formula is applied to derive formula for the sum of an odd and an even number of consecutive triangular numbers.

In this paper, the author gives a further simple generalization of a power series evaluation of an integral using Taylor series to derive the result. The author encourages readers to consider numerical methods to evaluate the integrals and sums. Such methods are suitable for use in courses in advanced calculus and numerical analysis.

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

Based on the cognitive psychological theories of Vygotsky and Davydov, discusses the establishment of connections between mathematical elements, and the algorithmic rules that govern them, and children's spontaneous mathematical concepts. Presents examples that establish connections involving addition and subtraction, comparing numerical…

A multisensory program using a counting technique was effective in teaching math skills to three elementary students with mild disabilities. Results showed significant gains in acquisition of target skills as well as maintenance and generalization to novel math problems. (Author/DB)

This issue of the newsletter focuses on the teaching of mathematics to mildly handicapped students. The feature article reviews the theory of generalization and its application to specific practices in teaching arithmetic. A set of six-step guidelines is offered for the teacher to follow in ensuring that generalization of arithmetic skills takes…

This volume of the 30th annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents: plenary panel papers; research forum papers; short oral communication papers; and poster presentation papers from the meeting. Information relating to discussion groups and working sessions is also provided.…