Four worksheets are included, providing practice in estimation, computation, pattern recognition, and problem solving involving calculator use. (MNS)

This paper discusses an approach to the study of algorithms which values students' construction of nonstandard algorithms but also emphasizes the essential roles of the teacher and instructional activities in supporting the development of students' numerical reasoning. Episodes are presented from a 3rd grade classroom in which a 9-week teaching…

This action research describes a program for improving mathematical problem solving skills. The targeted population consisted of first grade students in a transient, middle class community as well as third and sixth grade students from a growing, middle to upper class in Illinois. The concerns of problem solving were documented through teacher…

Certain properties of lenses provide a physical model of the mathematical concepts of multiplication of integral numbers and of similarity transformations in geometry. Further, they can provide a realistic concrete representation for rules governing multiplication of signed numbers. Suggestions for problems and classroom demonstrations involving…

Two problems are presented and discussed as a means of demonstrating that the calculator can play a more important role in the mathematics class than simply as a computational tool. (MP)

Described is the use of an interactive terminal-oriented computing system that has access to files of thermodynamics data. (Author/SA)

Describes six key practices vital to a problem-centered instructional approach to number sense and computational strategies. Also presents actual classroom examples of strategies. (AIM)

Tested three models of children's mathematics word-problem solving based on developmental differences in quantitative conceptual structures: (1) quantitative relations represented as ordered array of mental objects; (2) numbers represented on two tentatively coordinated mental number lines; and (3) numerical operations represented as objects on…

Covers a project conducted by the Freudenthal Institute in which observation of student behavior supported the premise that the graphics calculator can stimulate the use of realistic contexts, the exploratory approach to mathematics, a more integrated view of mathematics, and more flexible behavior in problem solving. (AIM)

Mental arithmetic strategies were studied with 91 Dutch third graders who computed by splitting off 10s and units in both numbers or counting by 10s up or down from the first unsplit number. Results reveal flexibility in changing between and within strategy use. Implications for instruction are discussed. (SLD)

Described is an activity in which students examine data collected from an official report of a train accident to evaluate the conclusions of the official investigation. Quotations from the records and calculations used in this activity are included. (CW)

Presented are problems that teachers can use to stimulate students' thinking about the subject of mathematical scaling. Food and eating examples are used to illustrate this concept. (CW)

Presented are two examples of real-life examples that can be used to promote or exemplify concepts of probability and statistics. Details of the calculation of these probabilities are given. (CW)

Experiments in strategy instruction for mathematics have been conducted using three models (direct instruction, self-instruction, and guided learning) applied to the tasks of computation and word problem solving. Results have implications for effective strategy instruction for learning disabled students. It is recommended that strategy instruction…

Discusses the implementation of teaching estimation as portrayed in the NCTM Standards. Presents two instructional examples. (YP)