The field of teacher education is in need of a problematic approach which would emphasize a more humanistic and less technological stance. Illustrations are given as to how such an approach could be applied in two different realms of teacher education: (1) mathematics education; and (2) field experiences for student teachers. (PP)

A list of five broad skill areas common to science and mathematics is presented and discussed. Also considered are the learning and teaching of basic skills. (MK)

Explores parent perceptions of education, mathematics education, teachers' roles in education, and computers in education. The use of interviews and a survey is explained; results of a factor analysis are discussed, including responsibility and problem-solving factors; and implications for educational policy are suggested. (LRW)

Discusses the process of learning to construct and interpret representations from a social practice perspective. If students need to construct tables and graphs to complete a project report in mathematics or science, they can learn to consider whether these forms are effective at communicating important information. If students merely complete…

Studied the sociocultural context in which Brazilian children acquire and use everyday mathematics in terms of currency use. Participants were 105 children, ages 4 to 11, and their parents. Found decreased use of currency with increasing age. Children also used currency to aid their problem solving and progressed from global estimates to the…

Studied the influence of authentic contexts and self-made graphical representations on students' well-documented tendency to apply the linear model improperly in representing and solving nonproportional word problems. Findings for 152 Flemish 8th graders and 161 10th graders do not show the expected effects; in fact, these forms of help had…

Describes two approaches to connecting literature and problem solving with mathematics. One approach is to focus on a particular strategy of problem solving, then find a storybook related to the strategy. Another approach is to find a favorite children's book and develop the problem-solving portion of the lesson from the book. A resource list and…

Shares perspectives on what is happening at the national level in science education reform, why reform is needed, and the role that environmental education can play in this reform effort. Contains a discussion of the recent changes in science content and instructional goals. (DDR)

Investigates the arithmetic and algebra word problem-solving skills and strategies of future primary and secondary school teachers. Describes the evolution of these skills and strategies from the beginning to the end of teacher education. Indicates that, in the education of preservice primary and secondary school teachers, there is need for an…

Describes an inquiry-based scooter activity in which students learn the mathematical concepts of measurement and proportionality and the science concepts of force, motion, velocity, and acceleration while using their problem solving skills. Explains strengths and weaknesses of the activity and includes suggestions for assessment. (YDS)

Current knowledge about cognitive development in mathematics is reviewed, specific effective strategies for presenting materials in class are described, and effective strategies for mathematics program content and organization are outlined. Substantial information on recent research and on instructional materials is included. (MSE)

Examines the relationship of the amount of available short-term memory with the complexity of tasks the subjects mastered. Presents some hints for a better design of instruction. (YP)

Develops an experimental teaching method emphasizing the nature of functions including graphical representation in an introductory college physics course (mechanics). Examines the effects of this method on student's problem solving and attitude toward physics. (YP)

This review of research finds that, when IQ and reading ability are controlled, "true" math deficits of students with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorders (ADHD) are specific to mathematical concepts and problem types. Slow computation affects problem solving by increasing attentional…

Only 25% of fifth- and sixth-grade Chinese students (n=186) correctly solved a division-with-remainder computation task, about the same success rate as with American students, and only one-sixth of the students could interpret the result. (MKR)