Introduces an activity that involves nature transects and requires students to use their process skills. Indicates the possible use of transects for student evaluation and examines the implementation of transects in the elementary curriculum in a multidisciplinary approach. Provides details of the activity. (YDS)

This learning activities notebook presents creative, elementary- and secondary-level, standards-based learning activities for teachers by teachers. They include a November-December teaching almanac, mathematics activities, language arts activities, science activities, and social studies activities. A reproducible sheet presents a Santa Sightings…

Describes experiences of two elementary math teachers, whose dynamic, hands-on teaching techniques were at odds with components of the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS). Despite these teachers' successful efforts, the new Commonwealth Accountability and Testing System (CATS) replacing KIRIS will not contain portfolios. (12…

Baylor College of Medicine, a Houston-area school district, and the Harris County Department of Education implemented a real-world science-instruction model in all district K-4 classrooms. The 7-year Environment as a Context for Learning Science (ECOS) program provokes student interest by centering on locally relevant environmental issues. (9…

This study developed a web-based multimedia whiteboard system to help students learning with mathematical problem solving. The purpose is to promote a new online mathematical learning model that students not only use electronic whiteboard to write down their mathematical problem solving solutions but also use voice recording tool to give oral…

In the study reported here, I examined the diagrams that mathematically capable high school students produced in solving applied calculus problems in which a diagram was provided in the problem statement. Analyses of the diagrams contained in written solutions to selected free-response problems from the 1996 BC level Advanced Placement Calculus…

We apply a research-based analytical framework (MALA, for motivation, activity, learning and attribution) to better understand two student-centered college mathematics classes. We demonstrate ways in which the framework can be used to systematically identify problems with classroom management, to generate meaningful suggestions for improvement of…

As part of a module on mathematical problem solving in an Initial Teacher Education programme, the student teachers are encouraged to produce alternative solutions to the problems they tackle and, in particular, to consider whether ICT can help. In this paper we discuss a number of unusual solutions produced for some of the problems, specifically…

Previous studies on individual differences in mathematical abilities have shown that working memory contributes to early arithmetic performance. In this study, we extended the investigation to algebraic word problem solving. A total of 151 10-year-olds were administered algebraic word problems and measures of working memory, intelligence quotient…

School subjects are analogous to medieval alchemy. There is a magical change as mathematics, science, and social sciences move from their disciplinary spaces into the classroom. The educational and social psychologies have little or nothing to do with understanding disciplinary practices. They are intellectual inventions for normalizing and…

Traditional assessment methods are not always suitable for diagnosing learners' knowledge structures at different levels of their expertise. This paper describes an alternative schema-based rapid assessment technique and its application in the area of arithmetic word problem solving. The technique is based on an assessment of the extent to which…

This study makes use of an action research paradigm to improve primary students' analyzing skills. It was conducted at the San Esteban Elementary School, Region I, Philippines, during the 6-week off campus practice teaching of one of the researchers. Sources of data include a thinking skills checklist, a set of Curriculum Support Materials (CSM),…

Student success in solving physics problems is related to the representational format of the problem. We study student representational competence in two large-lecture algebra-based introductory university physics courses with approximately 600 participants total. We examined student performance on homework problems given in four different…

The tendency to generalize from specific experiences leading to new, more abstract concepts is a natural aspect of human thought. Generalizations are the end result of an inductive process that begins with the identification of similarities in seemingly disparate situations. It is the existence of such generalizations that makes it possible for us…

We examined the relationship between parents' behaviour and children's use of simple arithmetic strategies while playing a board game in contrast to solving arithmetic problems. In a microgenetic study spanning 3 weeks, 5-year-old children who were just beginning kindergarten played a modified game of "Chutes and Ladders" with one of…