Purpose: This paper aimed to present the design of a teaching module on mathematical problem solving for the upper primary mathematics. Method: The module used Pólya's and Schoenfeld's problem solving models as the theoretical framework. The researchers introduced problem-solving processes through specialized mathematics "practical"…

Ordinality is a fundamental feature of numbers and recent studies have highlighted the role that number ordering abilities play in mathematical development (e.g., Lyons et al. 2014), as well as mature mathematical performance (e.g., Lyons & Beilock, 2011). The current study tested the novel hypothesis that non-numerical ordering ability, as…

This dissertation examines elementary teacher candidates' perceptions of hip-hop culture and utilizing hip-hop pedagogy in a mathematics classroom. This study demonstrates how elements of hip-hop may be integrated into an elementary mathematics methods course to develop pedagogical knowledge that challenges teacher candidates to explore the…

Children see and describe patterns in the primary grades when they develop the meaning of numbers by composing and decomposing. During their early years, they use patterns to learn properties of operations (Common Core Standards Writing Team 2011). While describing the intent of the third-grade standards for multiplication, the CCSS writers…

This study examined pre-service primary teachers' (PSPTs) mathematics performance on a set of question items measuring at the sixth grade level in Hong Kong. These items covered the five learning strands of the local primary mathematics curriculum -- number, algebra, measures, shape and space, and data handling. The participants of the study were…

Mathematics is mostly related to human life, thus, humans are required to have the mathematical understanding ability in solving life problems since in the elementary school age. Therefore, mathematics learning at school should have relevance value to construct mathematical concept that can be used in real life. Innovative mathematics learning…

Teacher collaboration continues to be deeply grounded within effective professional development. Teacher teams, where small groups of teachers work together in teaching and learning, have become progressively more popular and are considered one of the most effective approaches to improvement and growth. However, teacher teams are situated within a…

This paper investigates the impact of social interactions on mathematical language development in children during cooperative learning in a fourth grade mathematics classroom in Ireland. An experimental group completed mathematics activities in cooperative groups, while the control group completed these tasks individually. Participants from both…

In this paper, we present opportunities with the uses of origami and technology, in our case GeoGebra, in teaching formal geometric definitions for fifth-grade primary school students (11-12yrs). Applying origami in mathematical lessons is becoming to be recognized as a valuable tool for improving students' mathematical knowledge. In previous…

One of the most fundamental strategies in mathematics instruction is practice problems because teachers know that practicing a skill improves performance. At the same time, teachers also know that just because students can correctly answer practice problems does not mean they fully understand the concept or how to apply a formula--especially not…

In this study we investigate the effects of long-term technology enhanced learning (TEL) in mathematics learning performance and fluency, and how technology enhanced learning can be integrated into regular curriculum. The study was conducted in five second grade classes. Two of the classes formed a treatment group and the remaining three formed a…

We introduce a methodology for diagramming the ways students use sequences of mental actions to solve mathematical tasks. We studied 12 pre-service teachers as they solved a set of fractions tasks, ranked by cognitive demand. We present the unit transformation graphs for one of those pre-service teachers, to illustrate how she experienced and met…

In this study, we explored teachers' attention to and flexibility with referent units as well as how teachers' understanding of referent units is related to their performance on other fraction concepts and their professional background. By using data collected from 246 U.S. mathematics teachers in Grades 3-7 where fractions are taught, we found…

"Catalyzing Change in Early Childhood and Elementary Mathematics" is part of the Catalyzing Change Series, a collection of three books intended to initiate the critical conversations on policies, practices, and issues that impact mathematics education. In 2018, the first book in the series, "Catalyzing Change in High School…

Rational number and fractions concepts are inherently difficult; and lack of mastery often holds students back from success in subsequent mathematics courses. This paper describes design characteristics of a software based, adaptive, rational number tutor with virtual manipulatives, realistic contexts, and procedural feedback. Then, the paper…