Children attempted a division problem in one of four distraction settings: minimal, situational, color-attribute, or spatial-numerical. The effects of both grade level and distraction setting in problem-solving performance were highly significant, with children who used a manipulative approach being more prone to distraction than those using a…

Three activities which provide experience in writing and solving original story problems are described. (JT)

This paper traces the historical attention problem solving has received as a major curriculum goal from the Dewey School of 1896 to the 1970's. (MN)

The process of designing a learning system for an undergraduate business course in problem solving is described. The system includes pre-testing, problem solving strategies, providing practice and evaluating systems performance. (MN)

Activity sheets posing problems in which students must examine and test various possibilities are presented. (SD)

The author presented young children with reasoning problems. Summaries of performance on diverse problems are presented. (SD)

Described are various common misconceptions about the nature of mathematics and suggests that courses or activities based on model building might help change these. Two examples are offered. (SD)

Three models are compared in terms of detail, scope, attention to individual differences, and how they deal with qualitative change and semantic processing. Two are information-processing models of arithmetical word problem-solving performance, and the third is a model of children's counting types and thinking strategies. (MNS)

Suggestions for getting the message to parents about the need to help their children with mathematics are provided. Goals of mathematical activities at home and what activities parents should provide are described. (MNS)

Described are 10 computer software programs for problem solving related to mathematics. Programs described are: (1) Box Solves Story Problems; (2) Safari Search; (3) Puzzle Tanks; (4) The King's Rule; (5) The Factory; (6) The Royal Rules; (7) The Enchanted Forest; (8) Gears; (9) The Super Factory; and (10) Creativity Unlimited. (RH)

Use of general mathematical strategies by Australian students in grades 8-10 was studied, with students required to describe their reasoning and articulate reasons for the choice of particular strategies. Main effects were found for cognitive level, year level, and sex. A taxonomy is also presented. (MNS)

Problems were developed by third graders involving holiday customs in one of the countries of their ancestors. Eight sample problems are included. (MNS)

These activities involve students in interpreting story problems, drawing their own conclusions, and making guesses. Four worksheets, for levels 1-8, are included, along with teaching suggestions. (MNS)

How children perceive doubling and halving numbers is discussed, with many examples. The use of calculators is integrated. The tendency to avoid division if other ways of solving a problem can be found was noted. (MNS)

Some research about students with learning disabilities that textbook publishers need to consider as they revise problem-solving materials is briefly cited. (MNS)