Describes a hierarchical system of problem-solving strategies employed for the solution of a specific kind of problem about speed. Presents the results of 563 high school students tested with problems relating to distance, speed, and time. Provides a rationale for the methods used. (TW)

Describes a study which examined the combined effects of student participation and of more realistic levels of vagueness terms (incertainty and bluffing terms) on student achievement and attitudes. One conclusion based on sixth-grade students (N=96) responses suggests that relatively low levels of teacher uncertainty and bluffing can influence…

Contains six abstracts of papers from the National Educational Computing Conference of 1986. Topics of the papers focus on the effects of teacher involvement, computer programs in applied mathematics and physics, microcomputer labs in science, graphing misconceptions, science simulations, and mastery learning with computers. (ML)

Describes the development of a method of identifying motivational and educational attributes through student reports of what they like and what they perceive they are learning. Applications of the method to microcomputer software and traditional classroom activities are compared. (23 references) (MBR)

In Australia, schools may choose to spend their annual allocation for mathematics and social studies materials on commercially produced materials or materials produced by the Education Department. This study examined Australian teachers' preferences regarding curriculum materials, the procedures they used to select materials, and how they used the…

The needs of above-average junior high school students are discussed. A set of 'daily twisters,' or problems of various types, were collected, and examples are noted. Recommendations on content and pedagogy are described. (MNS)

Presents a theoretical and research foundation for teaching self-communication and metacognition to improve problem-solving skills, memory, and performance. Five steps are provided to guide teachers in implementing a self-communication strategy which can be used in a mathematics class. An extended reference list is included. (JM)

This study explored how elementary students employ help seeking as a means of problem solving in the classroom. In-depth naturalistic observations were made of high-, average-, and low-ability students in first, third, and fifth grade reading and math classes. Implications for children's achievement, learning, and social adjustment are discussed.…

Some specific uses of microcomputers in mathematics instruction are presented. Included are examples for generating data and patterns, checking, practice of various types, developing understanding, comparing results, simulation of experiments, introducing new ideas, solving problems, and extending into new areas. Brief computer programs are given.…

cribes an experimental program to bring new, outstanding math and science teachers to the public schools. Nineteen recent college graduates were recruited for a 14-month training program featuring coursework, teaching experience, and employment in the educational division of a local computer firm prior to certification. (TE)

The term "numeracy" is used in the adult education community to include an array of mathematically related proficiencies that are evident in adults' lives and worthy of attention in adult education settings. This occasional paper attempts to describe the complex nature of numeracy as it exists today. All stakeholders--including policymakers,…

Students learn at varying rates, and if a misconception in mathematics develops early, it may be carried from year to year and obstruct a student's progress. To identify fallacies in students' preconceived ideas, "Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics" offers educators a powerful diagnostic technique in the form of field-tested assessment…

Experienced educator Donna Whyte has compiled her ideas for using film containers in the classroom into "131 Ways to Use Film Containers" so that they can be shared with other teachers. She includes engaging ways to use them in teaching children about word families, sight words, and punctuation marks; skip counting, estimating, and predicting; and…

In a development and research project over a period of three years, with classes 8 to 10 in school, the aim was to develop students' competence to use computer tools. The aim was that the students should be able to judge what ICT tools are appropriate to use for a specific task. Seven classes with six teachers took part in the project. In a…

The third volume of the 29th annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education contains full research report papers. Papers include: (1) Students' Use of ICT Tools: Choices and Reasons (Anne Berit Fuglestad); (2) Interaction of Modalities in Cabri: A Case Study (Fulvia Furinghetti, Francesca Morselli, and…