An activity involving the charting of the spread of a disease is described. Arrows are used to develop models of the progression of the disease. (MNS)

Describes the approach used in a doctoral seminar on designing instructional software for problem solving in mathematics. Explains how a five stage software development model was followed for producing materials. Includes student evaluations of the course. (ML)

Predictors of retrieval times produced by students having difficulty developing a reliance on retrieval for simple addition were discovered. The findings support the notion that separate limitations operate in working memory when retrieval occurs and call into question the use of the term "retrieval deficit" to explain difficulties…

A problem-solving lesson is described, with a worksheet involving the gauges on a car's instrument panel. (MNS)

Four types of experiences in problem solving are identified, and steps children must learn to do problem solving are presented. (MP)

Learning activities designed to help students gain experience in reading three types of maps and in using the results to solve multistep problems about average speed and cost per mile are presented. Worksheets suitable for reproduction are provided. (MP)

Describes grade-appropriate weekly activities designed to appeal directly to students by giving them open-ended questions. Activities may be worked on individually, in pairs, or in small groups. This particular set of activities focuses on stories from literature involving measurement, earning money, marketing a product, and setting up a…

This article describes "Hot Math," a third-grade intervention conducted with small groups of students with disabilities or in inclusive classrooms that fosters mathematical problem solving. Hot Math integrates two promising practices to promote mathematical problem solving, explicit instruction about transfer and self-regulation strategies.…

Discusses what a good problem is. Describes the eight problem categories and the four dimensions for evaluating problem-solving performance. (YP)

Studies of word problem solving of story problems are reviewed and six immature strategies commonly used by elementary and junior high school students are highlighted. Suggested are some recommendations for mathematics instruction. (YP)

Describes teaching strategies that help students improve problem solving skills. Lists three factors good problem solvers were found to possess. Gives step by step instructions for solving problems. (MVL)

Investigates the probability of winning the largest prize at Bingo through a series of five simpler problems. Investigations are conducted with the aid of either BASIC computer programs, spreadsheets, or a computer algebra system such as Mathematica. Provides sample data tables to illustrate findings. (MDH)

Presents four cases of real-world probabilistic situations to promote more effective teaching of probability. Calculates the probability of obtaining six of six different prizes successively in six, seven, eight, and nine boxes of cereal, generalizes the problem to n boxes of cereal, and offers suggestions to extend the problem. (MDH)

A year-long study in 40 eighth grade mathematics classrooms compared the effect on student achievement of teaching with meaning with algorithmic-practice teaching. In general, teaching with meaning was found to increase student achievement. However, differences in response to the methods was seen in the top, middle, and lower thirds of the…

Defines the mathematical concept of proportionality. Uses graphs of linear relationships to explore and make generalizations about the characteristics of proportional situations to help students critically evaluate problems involving proportions. (MDH)