A method of using vector analysis is presented that is an application of calculus that helps to find the best angle for tacking a boat into the wind. While the discussion is theoretical, it is seen as a good illustration of mathematical investigation of a given situation. (MP)

A structural arithmetic curriculum is designed to help students develop their own powers of thought. (Author/MLF)

Presents 21 ideas for helping children learn to do story problems in math. (SJL)

Results of the second mathematics assessment show that students are alarmingly weak in problem-solving ability. (Author)

Presents case study data of low- and high-achieving nine-year olds focusing on construction and analogical transfer of mathematical knowledge during novel problem solving, as reflected in strategies for dealing with isomorphic combinatorial problems presented in hands-on and written form. Results showed that achievement level does not predict…

Presents a mathematics problem involving speed of a walking student versus speed of light reflection in a high school hallway. (MKR)

Presents a classroom scenario in which a student concocts a unique solution to a standard circle exercise and the class attempts to verify if the solution works for all cases of the problem. (MKR)

Describes a study that provides information about the extent to which students actually use their mathematical resources and strategies to solve problems. Interviews were used to analyze the problem solving abilities of high school students (N=35) as they solved five problems. (DDR)

Presents a preliminary analysis from a study designed to investigate the participation of students learning English as an additional language in primary school mathematics. Concerns how students make sense of mathematics classroom interaction. Describes and uses the findings of three patterns of attention in the process of two students'…

Presents student responses to the "The Darts, Anyone?" problem that appeared in the May, 1999 issue of this journal. The problem concerned finding possible scores on dart rings. (KHR)

Examined the thinking of students who constructed personal knowledge about division of fractions. Mixed-ability fifth grade mathematics students used pictures, symbols, and words to resolve situations and communicate solutions. All strategies that the students used represented some manifestation of conceptual knowledge about addition and…

Examines the problem-solving processes of social studies and mathematics and discusses their commonalities. Considers how those processes might be taught so that students will see that there is indeed a relationship between those two seemingly discrete disciplines. (RS)