Explored are responses of students aged 9 to 13 to linear generalizing problems from both a technical and strategic point of view. The methods commonly used were the same in all age groups and across all three questions, although some students choosing each model varied. (YP)

Examines issues involved in the separation of testing and diagnostic assessment in the area of mathematics education. Argues that the demands imposed by grading for certification purposes are irreconcilable with the requirements of diagnostic assessment thus leading to serious internal contradictions. Reviews the Graded Assessment in Mathematics…

Investigates patterns of sex differences for responses to problems across the countries involved in the Second International Mathematics Study. Reports no substantial gender effects on any of the content areas using the median polishing method. (YP)

Described is a study which was designed to investigate the effects of two evaluation methods on the learning process in mathematics courses. States that in one method students were given daily tests; the second method relied on weekly tests. No significant differences were noted; however certain trends were apparent. (RT)

Presents a selection of solutions of the "Three Hungry Men" problem from grade three to college students with three different strategies used: backward, forward, and forward/backward strategies. Provides error patterns in each strategy. Discusses some implications for teaching of problem solving. (YP)

Describes the use of spreadsheets. Presents four examples using a pre-designed format: repaying a loan, investigating functions, exponentials, and Fibonacci numbers. Provides three practice problems. (YP)

States that the relationship between mathematics and physics in the first year college level might be similar for populations from different national and cultural backgrounds. Reports student responses in two schools on topics covered by a mathematics test. The similarities and differences between the two groups are discussed. (YP)

A study of gender bias in the Dental Admission Test's mathematics test and its validity in predicting dental school success found no significant difference between male and female performance and no significant difference in the predictive validity of items favoring males or females. (Author/MSE)

Tests of (n=105) ninth-grade algebra students involving the addition and multiplication of monomials found that common, systematic errors made when multiplying monomials were related logically to the symbolism used and the algebraic convention of using an implicit 1 as an exponent. (16 references) (MKR)

Reports on a study of the mathematical needs of engineering apprentices in the United Kingdom. Finds that mathematical skills learned in general education programs do not meet requirements of the engineering profession. Recommends changes in mathematics education. (CFR)

Explains a set of processes that teachers might use to structure their evaluation of students' learning and understanding. Illustrates the processes of setting goals, deciding what to assess, gathering information, and using the results through a measurement task requiring students to estimate the number of popcorn kernels in a container. (MDH)

Examined 6 widely used grade-8 standardized tests for content, required processes, and level to determine their alignment with the 5-8 NCTM "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards." Concluded that these tests inadequately covered the 5-8 standards. A follow-up study examined items from newly developed and foreign tests to demonstrate the…

Investigated (n=124) preservice school teachers' reasoning and concepts of invariance of fractional numbers under numeration systems in different bases. The majority of students believed that fractions change their numerical value under different symbolic representations. (Author/MKR)

Discusses results of 2 examinations taken by 12th-grade students (n=13,522 for calculus; n=18,031 for statistics) in New Zealand. Males outscored females, significantly in statistics, and private school students outscored state school students. Some differences moderated when mathematics coursework was factored in. (Contains 32 references.)…

In two studies involving 18 secondary-level students with learning disabilities and 32 elementary-level at-risk African-American and Hispanic students, it was found that students exposed to positive-mood induction completed more math problems accurately than control children, and the secondary-level experimental students expressed greater…