The paper presents and analyses a sequence of events that preceded an insight solution to a challenging problem in the context of numerical sequences. A three­week long solution process by a pair of ninth­-grade students is analysed by means of the theory of shifts of attention. The goal for this article is to reveal the potential of this theory…

Some pedagogical problems in Chinese numeration are described. They involve the teaching and learning of how to speak numerals with fluency in Chinese, using Hindu-Arabic written numbers. An alternative approach which stresses regularity is proposed. (MNS)

The teaching of negative numbers poses problems at the school level. A historical account of the intellectual difficulties in the evolution of negative numbers and a method of viewing negative numbers as an extension of the number system to help overcome these difficulties are presented. (MDH)

The question is raised: What comes first: rules of calculation or the meaning of concepts? The pressures on the teacher to teach and simplify knowledge to algorithms are discussed. The relation between conceptual and procedural knowledge in school mathematics and consequences for the teacher's professional knowledge are considered. (DC)

Teaching sequences designed to develop strategies for comparing numerals in grade two (in France) were analyzed. Children's strategies were noted, and an experiment confirmed underlying misconceptions concerning number. (MNS)

Presents activities developed for teacher training courses for the middle school level that integrate mathematics history with the selected topics of number systems, fractions, and geometry. The activities seek to give relevance to history and to motivate and deepen students' understanding of the evolution of mathematical concepts. (MDH)