Presented are suggestions for teaching absolute value using five different definitions of the concept. (MK)

The importance of place value is discussed. Examples illustrating place value in addition and subtraction are given. (MK)

Reports on pre-service primary teacher education students' involvement in a number sense program that was a component of a mathematics education unit. Suggests that students develop and utilize multiple relationships among number, attempt to make sense of the mathematics investigated, and provide considered explanations for results achieved.…

Suggests that the history of mathematics is a fluid field within which lively debate occurs. Shares a math problem that requires a community of scholars to simulate the process by which the history of mathematics is actually developed. (KHR)

Explores the five multiplication techniques found in the 12th century Lilavati by Bhaskara, which appear again in the 1494 Summa by Pacioli. Includes a student worksheet. (KHR)

Examines methods and types of estimation. Characterizes fruitful in-class estimation tasks by exploring the validity and possible extensions of "marble jar" estimation. (KHR)

The importance of establishing a problem-solving atmosphere is stressed. Children asking "why" are on their way to strengthening their number sense. Curiosity should be promoted, encouraging children to test their own hypotheses and pursue their own predictions. An example with an eight-year-old girl is given to illustrate these points.…

Students have the opportunity to verbalize relationships that demonstrate the acquisition of good number sense. They are to develop clues about the answer to a problem without computing or telling the answer, and to state or write several things they know about the answer to each problem. (MNS)

Examples are given of how calculator-sized pocket computers, which can receive, store, and execute BASIC programs, can be used in mathematics classrooms. (MNS)

Describes a method of teaching the order of mathematical operations based upon the psychological theory of conceptual generalization. (MDH)

This article offers teaching strategies for developing number sense for children who are blind and braille users. Suggestions focus on developing number meanings, exploring number relationships with manipulatives, understanding the relative magnitude of numbers, developing intuitions about the relative effect of operating on numbers, and…

Defines number sense and gives suggestions and activities for teachers to use in helping students develop number sense, including using process questions, using writing assignments, encouraging invented methods, using appropriate calculation tools, helping students establish benchmarks, and promoting internal questioning. (MKR)

Pupils progress through a relatively small number of key stages called growth points in numeracy learning. Identifies growth points in developing numeracy and suggests that better support can be offered to children when teachers are aware of the growth points. (ASK)

Discusses convergence between instructional practices suggested by research on achievement motivation and practices promoted in mathematics-instruction reform literature by focusing on fourth- through sixth-grade students (N=624) and their teachers (N=24). Concludes that the instructional practices suggested in the literature of both research…

Describes how the card game Numero helps students improve their knowledge of basic number facts while having fun. Suggests ways in which Numero can best be used in the classroom. (ASK)