Discusses the use and adaptation of alternative assessment procedures such as observation, interviewing, holistic scoring, checklists, and reading of student journals, to accurately determine the progress of students with learning difficulties. Includes scoring rubrics and many samples of student evaluation. (MKR)

Describes a summer mathematics institute designed for the professional development of practicing elementary teachers who need to implement NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards in mathematics education. Highlights include task analysis, manipulated mathematics, computer transition activities, curriculum-based assessment, and…

Reports on a study in which (n=40) fifth graders solved and retold one-step compare word problems. Students performed better, had shorter response times, and retold problems correctly more frequently on consistent-language problems than on inconsistent-language problems. (Contains 36 references.) (MKR)

The idea that studying part-whole number relationships can foster a better understanding of number concepts, addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages depending on the age of the student is discussed. Activities that incorporate number relationships and representations are presented. (KR)

A study interviewed 6 grade-6 students after participation in 21 lessons on basic concepts of fractions and decimals to determine how different children construct rational number concepts. Discussed the formation of the key concept of equivalent fractions based on student responses to interview questions. (MDH)

Study examined the ways 117 low-socioeconomic third graders interacted during acquisition of new mathematical skills. The effects of cooperative-mastery-learning (CML) strategies on their mathematics achievement were investigated. Two experiments indicated that students exposed to CML performed better than those given more traditional instruction.…

Described is the use of a commercial computer software package, "Dust," to enhance mathematical learning in the classroom. Samples of mathematics problems presented in this game which is a simulation of an adventure in outer space are presented. (CW)

A Navajo blanket design was constructed on a bulletin board and on geoboards. Then a program was written in LOGO to construct the pattern. Both top-down and bottom-up techniques were used. Students were encouraged to make their programs more efficient by utilizing repeat and subprocedures. (GW)

Across-the-curriculum articles focus on four areas. A math activity describes optical illusions and the properties of shapes. A hands-on science activity presents the chemistry of secret messages. A writing lesson helps students capture the essence of character. An art lesson presents a project on medieval castles. (SM)

A fourth-grade teacher examined what would happen to black students' math performance when they worked with partners they selected. Using cognitively guided math principles, she observed students and adapted her teaching methods, then surveyed the students. The paper explains why and how this partnering was successful. (SM)

Introduces Internet field trips as a means of instruction for diverse student populations; explores the Mayan mathematics system in an interdisciplinary fourth grade math lesson; suggests strategies for students with limited English proficiency base on TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages); and includes a sample lesson plan.…

Examined gender differences in the mathematics performance of high-achieving fourth and sixth graders, noting the effects of ethnicity. Scores from 1996 California Achievement Tests indicated that students in both grades showed significant gender differences. There were no interaction effects of gender by ethnicity. There were inconsistent racial…

The purpose of the present study was to examine and compare the effectiveness of pre-teaching and re-teaching on math achievement and academic self-concept of third grade students identified as low achievers. A pretest-posttest experimental design was used to conduct the study. Results indicated that both pre-teaching and re-teaching resulted in…

Out of the 38 nations studied in the 1999 "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" (TIMSS), children in Singapore scored highest in mathematics (National Center for Education Statistics, NCES, 2003). Why do Singapore's children do so well in mathematics? The reasons are undoubtedly complex and involve social aspects.…

The purpose of this study is to analyse science and mathematics lesson plans prepared in the light of drama based instruction by preservice elementary teachers. For this purpose, 12 female participants were chosen volunteerly. They gained basic knowledge and experience about creative drama by involving sample creative drama activities and lesson…