This article presents specific instructional approaches and examples to develop the algebraic reasoning skills of middle and secondary students with mild disabilities. Discussion of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards identifies general principles, content standards, and process standards. Discussion of effective instruction…

In this paper a multimedia project was incorporated into a problem-based learning environment to examine how learning in multimedia could be enhanced through the use of problem-based learning. Students in a second year course in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) were assigned the problem-based multimedia project, they worked in groups,…

We present a methodology for designing better learning environments. In Phase 1, 6th-grade students' (n = 223) prior knowledge was assessed using a difficulty factors assessment (DFA). The assessment revealed that scaffolds designed to elicit contextual, conceptual, or procedural knowledge each improved students' ability to add and subtract…

Exploratory Practice (EP) has been developed over the last 15 or so years as an approach to practitioner research that is devoted to understanding the quality of language classroom life. It started in reaction both to academic classroom research and to Action Research, the practitioner research model most in vogue at that time in our field. At…

To meet the challenge to reform mathematics education, effective opportunities to learn are needed to promote prospective elementary school teachers' development of the knowledge base that supports teaching, for mathematical proficiency. This article describes three professional development interventions and their influence on prospective…

This article describes geometry-oriented problem-solving tasks that can encourage students to develop a positive attitude toward mathematics. The tasks concern working with polyominoes, two-dimensional shapes that consist of squares joined fully at the edges. (Contains 7 figures.)

This article describes the use of commercial games in mathematics to help teach algebraic reasoning, spatial sense, and multistep problem solving. It also provides a description of how one teacher implemented the use of games.

The importance of visual representation, usually a geometric figure presented in words and in mathematical symbols that is frequently found on high-stakes standardized tests is evaluated. The study shows that mathematics teachers can help prepare students to solve mathematical problems containing a figure not drawn to scale by looking for and…

Students must be able to interpret, relate, and incorporate new information with existing knowledge and apply the new information to solve novel problems. Peer instruction is a cooperative learning technique that promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that peer instruction…

In this paper we discuss a variety of writing, reading and assessment techniques used in an elementary problem-solving class for pre-service K-8 teachers at Western Oregon University. We share our experience in teaching problem-solving strategies through selection and creation of quality word problems, problem-solving assessment and the Oregon…

Several accounts concerning the systematic use of action research by eminent educators in the process of identifying and solving an educational problem(s) have appeared in professional journals. Thus, action research is gaining recognition by policy makers and educators as a tool for change However, this growing concept has not yet caught up in…

The results are described of two case studies on the conceptions and classroom practice of two Portuguese physics and chemistry teachers on the role of problem solving in the teaching/learning of science. One of these teachers was a novice and the other had about 20 years of teaching experience. The data were obtained from a questionnaire, a…

Most teachers have attended countless workshops that advocated new teaching methods, materials, or techniques in addressing special student populations. They politely listen as a series of presenters enthusiastically introduce their information in written and verbal form. They return to the classroom, fully intending to use their new skills, but…

This paper outlines the practical aspects of a project aimed to offer access to numerate knowledge for preschool children by providing them with take-home numeracy kits. A Koori preschool in an urban regional area of New South Wales, Australia, was involved in the project. The centre catered for 18 four- and five-year-old children. The two main…

Problem-based learning has great potential for management education. Placing students in a problem-centered environment may help bridge the gap between theory and practice. One important but underdeveloped issue for problem-based learning is the context design of the problem-solving situation. This article's purpose is to develop a framework for…