This paper reports the results obtained with a group of 24 14-year-old students when presented with a set of algebra tasks by the Leeds Modelling System (LMS). These same students were given a comparable paper-and-pencil test and detailed interviews some 4 months later. The latter studies uncovered several kinds of student misunderstanding that…

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics curriculum. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

This document deals with the observation of students in a direct translation scheme in the solution of word problems in a university freshman-level Intermediate Algebra class. It is felt that since successful problem solvers of algebraic equations often have as much difficulty in solving word problems as do other students in the classes, the…

The purpose of this study was to uncover information about and gain a greater insight into the extent to which students who are successful in a basic algebra course: l) demonstrate a reversibility of reasoning processes when solving algebraic problems; 2) demonstrate a flexibility of reasoning processes when solving algebraic problems; 3)…

This document focuses on Core Algebra, a course offered in the Hawaii State Department of Education's "Mathematics Program Guide." This algebra option is designed to be less theoretical and more application-oriented than Algebra IA and IB. The text opens with a list of twenty minimum learner objectives of the course. The next section presents an…

This curriculum guide outlines the mathematics objectives of each of the grades K-8 under the headings of operations, sentences and problem solving, numbers and numeration, measurement, geometry, statistics, and applications. Examples of each of the objectives are given. High school minimal skills are listed. The sequence of mathematics courses…

Three instructional approaches on translating selected types of algebra word problems were investigated: direct translations, high imagery with materials, and high imagery with drawings. Participating were 366 seventh grade and 336 ninth grade students. Treatment effects by grade used multivariate analysis of covariance for student scores and…

Describes how using spreadsheets helped seventh grade algebra students develop problem-solving skills. Topics include the functional dualism of the spreadsheet as a text, uniting enactive and numeric modeling of word problems, new meanings and reciprocal learning, learning through problem "posing," higher levels of thinking, and decreasing…

Describes the results of three years of field-work and the prospects for change in algebra teaching as a consequence of using computers and calculators. Summarizes the structure of text materials, classroom organization, and students' responsibilities. (YP)

Presented are problem-solving experiences with area, volume, and algebraic expresssions resulting from data collection. Three worksheets are included for students in grades 7-12. (MNS)

Presents a selection of solutions of the "Three Hungry Men" problem from grade three to college students with three different strategies used: backward, forward, and forward/backward strategies. Provides error patterns in each strategy. Discusses some implications for teaching of problem solving. (YP)

Middle-school students were asked to determine the dimensions of a hotel atrium so that guests could enjoy the maximum area of scenic view, given that 650 feet of brass railing could be used around each floor. Several solution approaches are described. (MKR)

Describes the Secant Method, a numerical method to approximate solutions to equations for which symbolic solution methods do not apply. Illustrates the method using the EXCEL spreadsheet program. Discusses instructional implications of utilizing this method. (MDH)

Presents sample lab activities in algebra for representing functions in concrete, tabular, graphic, algebraic, and word format. Activities described actively involve students in hands-on models. Problem-solving techniques and technology help to form algebraic-thinking skills. (AIM)

Assessment of general reasoning processes, elementary algebraic understanding, and novel problem solving of (n=147) seventh- and eighth-grade students found that abilities to generalize from patterns and tables of data and understanding variable constructs contributed significantly to application of algebraic concepts and processes. Questions…