The performance of a group of grade 9 mathematics students trained to use a self-explanation procedure during study was compared with that of students who used their typical study procedures. The processing activities used by the students during the study session and those used in a subsequent problem-solving test were observed. The focus of…

In their work in science and mathematics education, the authors have observed that students intuitively react in similar ways to a wide variety of scientific tasks. These tasks differ with regard to their content area and/or to the reasoning required for their solution, but share some common, external features. We have identified three types of…

The purpose of this book is to teach the basic principles of problem solving in both mathematical and non-mathematical problems. The major components of the book consist of learning to translate verbal discussion into analytical data, learning problem solving methods for attacking collections of analytical questions or data, and building a…

The BrainLink project offers educational materials focusing on current neuroscience issues with the goal of promoting a deeper understanding of how the nervous system works and why the brain makes each individual special while conveying the excitement of "doing science" among upper elementary and middle school students. Project materials engage…

The Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) concluded that teaching is a cultural activity. But do claims about teaching based largely in comparisons of math teachers also apply to teaching in disciplines with less well-defined problems, like civics? What is gained and what is lost when the cultural aspect of teaching becomes the focus?…

The paper presents literature related to the problems and promises of interdisciplinary work. Important characteristics of effective work groups are described, and origins of difficulty in groups are discussed. Most work on groups has been based on research on groups that come together only in the laboratory. These groups are different from…

Many Australian university students who are preparing to teach elementary mathematics lack confidence in their own knowledge, understanding and use of mathematics. Such a lack of confidence appears soundly-based. In this paper, a compulsory mathematics course for elementary teachers in training is described, the aims of which are to build the…

The University of Maryland offers a physics course as part of the Maryland Collaborative for Teachers' Preparation (MCTP) project. One of the course aims is to promote the learning of the concept of a function through the learning of physics. Students learn in small groups through problem solving and with the aid of microcomputer-based…

This document reports on the Videotape Classroom Study of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). This exploratory research project focused on eighth-grade mathematics instruction in Germany, Japan, and the United States, videotaping one complete lesson in each sampled classroom during the 1994-95 school year. The…

This study looked at student difficulties with fractions by focusing on understanding of part/whole relationships. The sample consisted of two sixth-grade and two eighth-grade classes. A lack of substantial improvement from sixth to eighth grade on many fraction tasks was noted and viewed as cause for concern. (MP)

Some uses of a computer in a high school statistics class are presented. The increased student involvement in the lesson is seen as a result of the line demonstration of the mathematical concepts involved. A special application program written in BASIC is included. (MP)

Hypotheses from self-efficacy theory in the area of children's arithmetic achievement were tested. It was hypothesized that compared with didactic instruction, cognitive modeling would result in higher arithmetic achievement, self-efficacy, and accuracy of self-appraisal. (Author/GK)

We should not, in the name of "back to basics," regress to the old methodologies of memorization and drill. Computational skills must be thoroughly developed, but mathematics should also be taught in a way that will enhance thinking skills and problem solving in an enjoyable atmosphere. (Author/SJL)

The effects of two item formats on item difficulty and item discrimination indices for mathematics problem solving multiple-choice tests were investigated. One format required identifying the proper "set-up" for the item; the other format required complete solving of the item. (Author/JKS)

Although mathematics avoidance and mathematics anxiety are not unknown among men and boys, stressful experiences with mathematics are particularly pronounced in girls and women. Many educating and governing institutions will have to work together if efforts to alleviate mathematics anxiety are to pay off. (CJ)