Asserts that attempting to grasp the immensity of numbers used to describe the U.S. national debt, proven oil reserves, and other social statistics is becoming more and more difficult. Describes a program in which preservice elementary teachers created activities to help develop the skill of civic numeracy. (CFR)

Examines the role of mathematics in the Montessori curriculum. Suggests three areas important to the strengthening of prenumber concepts: logical quantification (one-to-one matching); logical classification (including open-ended sorting); and recognition, continuation, and creation of patterns. Suggests activities that establish foundations for…

Presents four innovative game-oriented activities designed to reinforce computational and place value skills involving whole and rational numbers. The games ask students to use randomly chosen numerals to formulate problems involving given operations or concepts whose responses come closest to target responses. (MDH)

Proposes angle sense as a fundamental connector between mathematical concepts for middle grade students. Introduces the use of pattern blocks and a goniometer, a tool to measure angles, to help students develop angle sense. Discusses connections between angle measurement and the concepts of rational numbers, circles, area, number theory,…

The paper describes the use of a spreadsheet in a mathematics teacher education course. It shows how the tool can serve as a link between seemingly disconnected mathematical concepts. The didactical triad of using a spreadsheet as an agent, consumer, and amplifier of mathematical activities allows for an extended investigation of simple yet…

The effect of mental retardation on the learning of arithmetic is considered; the school program, beginning instruction, and the instructional method are described. Also discussed are methods of developing interest, using instructional games, teaching left to right, teaching for meaning, adapting arithmetic to the trainable retarded, and planning…

This study had the purpose of comparing the effects of two approaches in teaching mathematics to secondary special education students. The study attempted to answer the following questions: (1) Were there significant differences between group means of mathematics achievement test scores for students in a diagnostic-prescriptive mathematics program…

Proposes guidelines for introducing enrichment materials in the Montessori classroom, focusing on the introduction of numbers to young children and recommendations for specific mathematics activities. Suggests that one reason for adding materials is to revitalize the classroom environment, as children expect novelty and change. The risk is that…

Draws parallels between Montessori's mathematical curriculum and the evolution of numbers and counting. Suggests that children share with ancient Sumerians a basic human tendency to develop "the mathematical mind." Argues that children do not need to be surrounded by math; rather, the classroom must supply them with the means to explore…

Shows how a manipulative device for taking attendance can be used to exercise mathematical thinking processes in a variety of contexts at different elementary school grade levels. Suggests activities using a magnetic attendance board for gathering classroom information; developing number, estimation, and graphing concepts; forming and verifying…

Offers 3 teaching designs developed for 12- to 16-year-old pupils taking into account personal differences in gender, culture, knowledge, and use of calculators. The designs concern the representation of three-dimensional objects in the plane, directions and great circles on the sphere, and exploration of the integrating calculator. (Contains 31…

This document contains plenary and contributed papers presented at the seventh PME meeting, held near Jerusalem, Israel in July 1983. Three plenary papers focused on implicit models in solving problems, discussions with teachers and children, and heuristics. Contributed papers were classified under seven headings: learning theories…

This guide is designed to help classroom teachers implement the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics K-12. It is inclusive also of the objectives tested by the Stanford Achievement Tests and the Alabama Basic Competency Tests. One characteristic of the curriculum guide is that it clearly states what students should learn in each grade level. These…

An editorial and abstracts for 12 research reports are contained in this issue. The editorial by Robert E. Reys focuses on the dangers of publishing poor research. The abstracts, each with a critique, concern research on a game for logical reasoning, wait-time and sex differences, vocabulary instruction on ratio and proportion, male-female…

This document describes a mathematics course that uses the computer to solve mathematics problems. It was developed to be used with students who have completed at least one year of general mathematics or are not achieving success in the traditional mathematics program. The course is intended to review, reinforce, and extend concepts included in…