From 1984 through 1988, the authors worked with teachers using an inquiry approach to teach high school geometry courses with the aid of the "Geometric Supposers." Problems are a critical component of the approach because they focus attention and energy and guide students in the application, integration, and extension of knowledge.…

The effect on performance of different formats for typical mathematics story problems was studied, along with the relationship of certain learner variables. More than 1200 children in grades 3-8, including over 220 learning-disabled students, were tested and/or interviewed. Story problems were in the usual format found in textbooks, an abbreviated…