Females' and males' ninth grade scores for three cognitive tests and eight mathematics attitudes scales were used to predict mathematics performance. These scores significantly predicted mathematics performance 1-3 years later. Spatial visualization was an important variable, significantly predicting geometry grade for girls, but not for boys.…

The typical structure of mathematics tracks in secondary education is described. Mastery of arithmetic skills at grade level in the elementary grades is seen to be of critical importance for students to succeed in secondary mathematics and be able to look forward to a wide choice of careers as adults. (MP)

Student teachers given five weeks of microteaching, observation training, or no preparation, taught mathematics to male high school students in urban, suburban, or rural Nigeria. Those teachers who had microteaching experience demonstrated greater frequency of target teaching skills, while a combination of variables contributed to student…

The author reviews a selection of mathematical problem books currently available. Methods of teaching mathematics courses based on problem solving are covered along with suggestions on how to conduct problem seminars. (MP)

More mental computation and organized and enjoyable activities to practice such skills are advocated. Suggestions for brief sessions involving challenging questions and quick recall of number facts are presented. The author presents and comments on several sample lessons designed for a wide range of student abilities. (MP)

The results of three national surveys about mathematics teaching are summarized and analyzed. Topics discussed include: patterns of instructional style; teacher abilities, attitudes, and beliefs; changing school mathematics; and the task ahead. (MK)

This annual annotated listing of research on mathematics education is organized alphabetically by author(s) within three categories (research summaries, journal-published reports, and dissertation abstracts), with grade or age indicated for each reference. An index for mathematical topics is included. (MP)

Suggestions for group diagnosis are given. Examples of questioning techniques, test items, and mini quizzes are presented. (MK)

Described is the design and preparation of learning units which students can work through individually. Each unit consists of a series of activity and assessment cards. Advice on the maintenance of records and other administrative issues is offered. (SD)

Presents three sets of polygons marked so that visually appealing designs emerge when the polygons are assembled into tessellations that cover the plane. Provides ideas for using the different sets of tiles in the classroom and reactions of the students who assembled the patterns. (AIM)

This study examined the effect of video-based contextualized advisement and competition on transfer of mathematics skills in a computer-based simulation game in which participants helped their "aunt and uncle" fix up a house. Participants were 123 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Results indicated an interaction between competition…

Described is research which considers the appropriateness of using games in the mathematics classroom. The methodology of the study, the game used in the study, and the results of the study are presented. Games were found to be a beneficial addition to the learning environment. (CW)

Discussed are the limitations of teaching general problem-solving strategies and techniques and their relationship to transfer of learning. The lack of evidence for effective teaching strategies, curriculum reform ramifications, and alternative teaching techniques are considered. (KR)

Computational strategies and estimating abilities of 466 Japanese students were tested and interviews with a subsample of that group were used to compare with a theoretical model based on a sample from the United States. Results of the comparison of computational and estimating abilities are presented. (CW)

Describes several ways to implement the NCTM Standards in technically enhanced classrooms. Presents examples from "Computer-Intensive Algebra." Provides suggestions for implementation. (YP)