Develops and tests a learning environment for teaching and learning how to model and solve mathematical application problems using four classes of fifth graders. Indicates that the intervention had a positive effect on different aspects of pupils' mathematical modeling and problem solving abilities. (Contains 62 references.) (Author/ASK)

We focus on a major difficulty in solving combinatorial problems, namely, on the verification of a solution. Our study aimed at identifying undergraduate students' tendencies to verify their solutions, and the verification strategies that they employ when solving these problems. In addition, an attempt was made to evaluate the level of efficiency…

Answers to mathematical problems come in all forms and most come with a variety of questions. Students often forget to ask questions once they have found an answer. This paper suggests that students would always benefit by questioning answers.

Students need in-school mathematical experiences to build on and formalize the mathematical knowledge they gain in out-of-school situations. This paper presents illustrations from research that was conducted to better understand how mathematics practice and problem solving in everyday work situations compared to secondary students' solutions of…

The possibility of non-transitivity of preference choices is discussed. One example each from voting and from sports demonstrate some conditions where transitivity does not hold. Suggestions are made for using this type of problem in the classroom. (LS)

A series of five questions, related to a specific example, outlines the process of applying mathematics to real-life problems. These include needed information, translation, assumptions, solution, and generalizations. (MP)

A distinction is made between basic computational skills and skills related to applied mathematics and verbal problem solving. The advantages of using calculators for teaching the latter skills are discussed. (MP)

With imagination, basic computation skills and a "mini-computer", kids find word answers to digital problems and design their own. (Editor)

Calculators are a big help in extending classroom activities and this article took a look at how the students of tomorrow might use them. (RK)

The opportunity for students to develop formulas that involve tangent lines to a circle and the Pythagorean Theorem and to use approximation and common sense is provided in a suggested distance-to-horizon problem. (MN)

Reviews the mathematical properties of algorithms and problems which can not be resolved by present methods in mathematics. (SL)

This is the second in a series of articles on using mathematical techniques from history to provide an interesting way for middle graders to practice math. (Editor)

The method of finite differences is discussed with some applications. The method is described in detail, with illustrative sequences, and several problems are presented. (MNS)

An application of trigonometry in weather forecasting, dealing with cloud height, is discussed. (MNS)

A problem on speed of travel is stated in general terms to provide practice in algebraic manipulation while maintaining a sense of real-world usefulness. A computer program is listed. (MNS)