Mathematics educators have recognized that although basically a cognitive and intellectual enterprise, learning mathematics is related to children's attitudes toward the subject. Proponents of mathematics reform have emphasized that children need to develop more positive attitudes toward mathematics. A pretest/posttest experimental design study…

The current period in mathematics education can be characterized as one of reform. Among the goals of the proponents of the movement are that children learn to value mathematics, become confident in their ability, and become mathematical problem solvers. A pretest/posttest experimental design study examined the effects of SQUARE ONE TV, a…

A study examined the role of audience in preservice mathematics education students' writing experiences. Subjects, students in two mathematics education classes taught by the same teacher, completed writing assignments explaining the principles of mathematics to elementary school pupils. Students in one class wrote to actual students, serving as…

This paper presents seven basic principles or criteria that mathematics programs for mathematically gifted elementary students should meet. A rationale for each criterion is offered. Grouping these children together in one regular class is strongly encouraged so that they can be in one advanced group, as part of the traditional three groups in…

Confrontation with a mathematical task causes a student to focus initial attention upon particular content and context cues based upon that student's belief system; the student assigns subsequent meaning to that task based upon previous mathematical experience and knowledge. In order to make effective use of students' belief systems, educators…

The National Diffusion Network (NDN) was established in 1974 through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement upon the belief that there are few difficulties encountered by school systems that have not been solved successfully in some other location. The primary function of the NDN is to disseminate information about a wide array of…

This three-part guide presents a brief program description along with lists of performance objectives and lists of test items for the Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools Title I Elementary Mathematics Program. The program description provides background information on the Des Moines Public School District and describes the student selection/screening…

This publication provides background information, ideas, and sample activities to help teachers in their efforts to aid students in developing problem solving skills. It provides an overview of the stages in the problem solving model recommended in the elementary mathematics program of studies. Several clusters of problem solving strategies are…

The educational background of students termed "limited English proficient" (LEP) is discussed, with consideration of how that background might affect the LEP student's learning of arithmetic. Reasons why knowledge of background is important are first noted. Then examples of different ways to read and write numerals and differing subtraction and…

A program for teaching "number sense" is suggested based on experiences in teaching numeracy to Papua New Guinean adults. Number sense starts out with some sort of "feel" about the size of a number and extends upwards to include any such mental arithmetical skills as can reasonably be incorporated in an appropriate program.…

This report summarizes field work on Andra Island, Papua New Guinea, one of five community schools participating in the ongoing research and development efforts of the Indigenous Mathematics Project (IMP). It opens with an introduction to the site, the school setting, and the community setting. Background on the IMP teacher and the size of classes…

This report summarizes field work in Ororo Community School located in Tokorara, a suburb of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. It is one of five community schools participating in the ongoing research and development efforts of the Indigenous Mathematics Project (IMP). The study opens with an introduction to the site, the school…

This report summarizes field work in Divanap, Papua New Guinea, one of five community schools participating in the ongoing research and development efforts of the Indigenous Mathematics Project (IMP). The site is described, with detailed comments on the school and the community. Background on the teacher is provided. Sizes of the two grade 2, one…

This report summarizes field work at Kero School in Papua New Guinea, one of five community schools participating in the ongoing research and development efforts of the Indigenous Mathematics Project (IMP). The introductory material describes the site, the school setting, and the community setting. Background on the IMP teacher and the size of…

This report summarizes field work in Muglamp, Papua New Guinea, one of five community schools participating in the ongoing research and development efforts of the Indigenous Mathematics Project (IMP). It begins with an introduction to the site, the school setting, and the community setting. The teacher's history and the number of students in one…