In his work leading professional development, Peter Klosterman found that teachers specifically asked for help teaching optimisation more effectively. To address challenges students often experience solving optimisation problems, he explains useful pedagogical strategies to support the teaching of optimisation and student learning in this topic.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and evaluate the effects of individual characteristics associated with mathematical word problem-solving skills among elementary school-aged children and to unpack the quality of studies investigating these associations. The systematic review was reported according to the…

Elementary (5 [approximately] 11 years old) students with mathematics difficulties often struggle with word-problem solving. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to examine the comparative effectiveness of various instructional strategies and their combinations for improving word-problem solving skills in this population. We…

This Spotlight explores effective strategies for improving math instruction and enhancing student achievement in K-8 classrooms. From making math more relevant and engaging and mastering word problem-solving to deepening conceptual understanding of fractions and nurturing students' ability to tackle challenges, these articles offer valuable…

This research examined the impact of the Cognitive-Communicative (C-C) model as a pedagogical strategy for teaching algebraic word problems (AWPs). The C-C model integrates structured dialogue, concept clarification, and systematic problem-solving steps to enhance students' comprehension and reasoning. Employing a mixed-methods framework, the…

Effective math instruction is crucial for developing students' problem-solving abilities. This Spotlight explores key strategies and approaches to enhance math teaching and learning. From laying the foundation for algebra in kindergarten to improving understanding of fractions, these articles offer valuable perspectives. Discover how to help…

Much attention has been paid to computational thinking (CT) as a problem-solving approach across various curricula, particularly in mathematics. Most studies solely used a digital instrument or examined transfer of program solving ability, neglecting the mathematics knowledge domain or how the novel digital instrument functions alongside the…

Possessing mathematical competence is a pre requisite for independently comprehending, understanding and applying all features of mathematical modelling in a particular setting. This research study thus explores the mathematical modelling competencies that Grade 10 learners exhibit while solving contextual problems in a mathematics learning and…

Word problems are frequently taught in shallow contexts, where students primarily use procedural knowledge to solve problems and struggle to transfer their learning to real-life situations. This study examines how extra-mathematical knowledge and motivation may enhance the learning process. The study involved 345 fifth-grade students (51.2% male)…

This study aimed to elicit middle school pre-service mathematics teachers' personal meanings of realistic mathematics problems. The study presents a portion of a larger design-based study involving teacher training sessions encompassing small-group discussions, writing realistic mathematics problems, and whole-group discussions. The audio records…

Mathematics proficiency in the Philippines is a persistent concern, seen by many as a sign of an educational crisis. Teachers are responsible for improving learning outcomes in any discipline, including math. Thus, the study intended to conduct an error analysis of verbal problems among pre-service mathematics teachers. The researcher employed…

In this study, effects of asking participants to make different types of considerations when solving a realistic word problem were investigated. A two-factorial experiment with the factors "addressing realistic considerations" (with vs. without) and "addressing mathematical operations" (with vs. without) was conducted. It was…

Background/purpose. The strategic goal of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy is to develop scientifically and technologically equipped global citizens who are innovators and problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world. The study contributes to this goal by drawing pedagogical implications from examining college…

Rate of change (i.e., slope) is a critical mathematics concept for success in everyday life, academics, and professional careers. Students with or at risk of learning disabilities struggle with solving rate-of-change problems, especially word problems. Interventions that incorporate representations and problem-solving strategies are effective for…

This study focused on utilising Newman's error analysis model to diagnose the errors made by Grade 3 learners when solving word problems in a diverse classroom setting. The research endeavour seeks to pinpoint the errors manifested by learners when tackling word problems, with the aim of offering practical approaches to bolster the instruction of…