Presents a problem-solving activity, the birth order problem, and several solution-seeking strategies. Includes responses of current and prospective teachers and a comparison of various strategies. (YDS)

Reviews communication as a fundamental component in implementing a balanced and effective mathematics program. Presents a classroom episode in which students solve problems, use rubrics to rate the written response of a peer, and discuss solutions and decisions for rating their peers' papers. (KHR)

Investigates young people's expression of mathematical ideas with a computer, the nature of mathematical practices, and the problem of mathematical meaning from cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. Describes a mathematical activity system designed for learning and the role of digital technologies in helping to understand and reshape the…

Presents student comments as they explain their mathematical reasoning and thinking about place value in addition and subtraction. (ASK)

Provides a brief review of the results presented within the proof topic group's publication at the eighth International Congress for Mathematics Education (ICME-8). Disseminates some ideas from this publication which may be adapted for classroom materials. Indicates the relevance of research in mathematics education to teaching mathematics in…

Presents a mathematics activity involving a function box for students to develop an understanding of patterns, relationships, and functions. Uses the function box as an aid in teaching about squares, cubes, and circles. (ASK)

Presents conversations from series of lessons in which the power of mathematical conversations was epitomized and fourth-grade students were encouraged to make conjectures to their classmates. Describes how each conversation offered insights into the ways in which students had constructed mathematics. (ASK)

Argues that teachers and lecturers need to identify essential skills which are technology-independent and need to determine the most effective use of new technology in the classroom. Examines prospects for change using the newer technology of graphing calculators for mathematics courses. Contains 15 references. (ASK)

Presents suggestions for integrating children's literature with mathematics and science activities for early-childhood settings. Delineates project topics and curriculum ideas for coordination with six children's books. Includes list of 39 books appropriate for young children and related to mathematics and science. (KB)

Presents an activity in which students use mathematical ideas to understand how the intensity of light changes as light passes through water or similar partial barriers, by using a calculator-based laboratory device to record light intensity. Continues with a structured series of questions involving the use of difference equations with which…

Parrot math (memorization) seeks to control children through external rewards and punishments, rather than harness their intelligence and curiosity. Recent standardized test results document parrot math's failure. Activities-based approaches, supported by a constructivist philosophy (involving classifying, inferring, generalizing, and…

Discusses ways of counting the population, then and now, thanks to Herman Hollerith, who developed the Hollerith tabulating system using punch cards, punch machines, and tabulating machines. (ASK)

Presents activities to demonstrate the use of spreadsheets in mathematics classrooms. Emphasizes writing across the curriculum and interdisciplinary team teaching. Argues that spreadsheets allow students to make projections, comparisons, and contrasts. (ASK)

Discusses the extent of students' difficulties with spatial structuring in volume and packing problems. Explains how to help students develop more powerful ways of thinking about such problems. (ASK)

Presents small group activities and materials to emphasize geometric properties and definitions. Activities are designed to encourage student reasoning, communication, and measurement. (ASK)