Specific strategies and examples for teaching mathematical computation skills are presented as samples of ways to teach starting with the concrete and ending with the abstract. (JMF)

It takes special skills to "read" math. Zero in on math symbols, vocabulary and comprehension with an activity/game center. (Editor)

Discusses the implications of a research study of more than 2000 students aged 11 to 15 that explored why the students interpret algebra in certain ways. Recommends strategies that can help teachers deal with prior knowledge that students may bring to their study of algebra. (DDR)

Differences in computer languages are noted. Symbol-based languages offer some distinct advantages over number-based languages, both in the form and the content of the student's interaction with the computer. Some of these advantages are explored and their applications to teaching mathematics described. (MNS)

Identifies four causes of confusion in reading mathematics related to numbers, symbols and sentences, vocabulary, and directionality. Discusses techniques for overcoming each type of the confusion. (YP)

Summarizes some student misconceptions concerning the concept of equality. Provides several ways to modify present instruction. Describes a way to model the relational view of equals using balances. (YP)

Two lessons introducing probability taught by an expert and a nonexpert sixth-grade teacher were analyzed for the quality of teaching. The expert teacher more consistently explicated the relationship between formal symbols and the given mathematical tasks. Other differences concerned the handling of student contributions. (40 references) (MKR)

Illustrates the multiple strategies used by second graders to solve a problem with three addends and how their teacher tries to map their thinking into the system of mathematical notation. Describes the American Federation of Teachers' Thinking Mathematics program that the teacher uses. (MKR)

Investigated individual differences in (n=100) 10th-grade students' forms of visual thinking and related intuitions in the context of mathematical problem solving. Results suggest that success at problem solving was related to logical operational ability but not to vividness of visual imagery. (29 references) (Author/SYB)

Described is a project that integrates mathematical knowledge with the goal of creating a school environment that promotes kindness. The project, "Very Special Person Week," has students make "mathematics name" posters for all teachers and administrators of the school. Each letter is represented with mathematical symbolism and…

Analyzes the interpretations of equality and the equal symbol of third grade children who participated in a year-long, whole-class socio-constructivist teaching experiment. Concludes that children expanded their conceptualizations of equality due to an active role in class discussions and the arithmetical tasks that took into account children's…

Suggests ways researchers can use international comparisons to improve student learning, using math performance of U.S. and Chinese sixth-graders on four types of tasks. Chinese students did better on computation; U.S. students excelled at process (open performance) assessment tasks. U.S. kids need to develop symbolic and algebraic thinking. (MLH)

Explores parallels in children's moral and mathematical judgments. Considers how children coordinate these judgments with concepts of authority, particularly when using conventionally determined symbol systems to convey logical and social meanings. (JPB)

In math classes, teachers often focus instruction on the formulas and processes needed to solve different types of problems, but neglect to teach the concepts on which these tools are based. In this article, the author argues that before they can do this, teachers themselves need to understand "understanding math." Teaching mathematics with…

A study of 29 students enrolled in Algebra II in an 8-week summer instructional program for minority students was conducted to reveal the skills that students have in translating among representational forms in mathematics problems where the representational form is varied in the given problem and in the required form of the answer. All students…