Microanalysis of problem-solving activities of 10 learning-disabled and 10 normally achieving children (ages 10-12) found that, although normally achieving subjects reached more sophisticated levels of strategy use, there was no evidence that the learning-disabled subjects were inactive, passive, or maladaptive in their problem-solving attempts.…

This study describes strategies fifth- and sixth-grade children used to solve the problem of determining how to control a "vehicle" they "drove" by pressing particular keys on a computer. The problem involves identifying or discovering a set of cause-effect relationships. (Author/JN)

This study of 75 gifted students in grades 6-8 found that the group receiving Creative Problem Solving training with transfer strategies infused had a higher percentage of students applying the strategies to problems out of the context of the training sessions, compared to control group students and students receiving traditional training.…

Studied the relation between reading comprehension and task-specific strategies used in arithmetic word problems. Results with 20 9-year-olds of different competencies in reading and mathematics show a linear relation between reading comprehension and target strategies used in the word problems as well as a relationship between reading and IQ.…

Observed fluctuations in problem-solving and classroom behaviors for 43 nonmedicated pupils who had attention deficits with hyperkinesis. Results showed that on problem-solving tasks except Digit Span, pupils performed better in the morning. In classroom behavior, all pupils exhibited more interference, off-task, noncompliance, and minor motor…

Provides examples of student work on a problem which shows that students solve problems in several different ways. Discusses challenges to the teacher that might result from problems such as these. (ASK)

Summarizes solutions submitted for a problem posed in a previous issue of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. The problem pertains to making a fraction equivalent to one-third that uses all the numbers, zero through nine, exactly once. Includes actual student solutions. (DDR)

Focuses on mental strategies for computing in the middle grades. Describes what they are and why they are important. Refers to relevant research and presents some teaching ideas for developing these strategies beyond the primary grades. Includes a discussion of the role of mental calculation in everyday life both past and future. Contains 27…

Fourth-grade students (n=45) either with or without learning disabilities and achieving or not achieving at grade level in math were asked to explain strategies used to solve computational problems. Strategies were classified as reproductive or reconstructive (which varied in applicability and efficiency). Significant group differences were found.…

Gifted students in grades 6-8 were divided into two experimental groups, one receiving traditional creative problem-solving training and the other receiving creative problem-solving with transfer strategies infused; there was also a control group receiving training in various memory tasks, analogical skills, and logic exercises. After the…

A study of interactions among Swedish intermediate-grade students as they solved a nonstandard mathematics task confronting the phenomenon of infinity shows that the children can reach a considerable understanding of the problem by contextualizing the problem in different ways. The collective orchestration of problem variations results in enhanced…

Examines the scope and nature of upper elementary school pupils' difficulties with modeling and solving nonroutine additive word problems. Concludes that many errors result from the superficial, stereotyped approach of adding or subtracting two given numbers without considering the appropriateness of that action in relation to the problem context.…

Examines the impact of one unit of a curriculum module for sixth grade from the Model-based Analysis and Reasoning in Science (MARS) project. Provides an overview of this unit on mass and discusses three aspects of the evaluation of the unit. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

An across-the-curriculum program was developed to teach learning, thinking, and problem-solving skills to bright middle-school underachievers. This article describes the pilot program's theoretical basis, axioms of program development, guidelines for teaching metacognitive strategies, and a framework for strategy implementation. (Author/JDD)

Structured Team Problem Solving (STePS) is a problem solving model for shared decision making. This project uses the model to discover if children can learn using this method, and what adaptations would be necessary for child use. Sixth grade students in their social studies class worked together in teams (6-8) to identify what they already think…