Presents strategies for counteracting the following barriers to classroom discussions: student nonparticipation or inattentiveness to others; teacher behaviors of initiating, soliciting, responding, and reacting; argumentative encounters; and inability to communicate mathematically. (MKR)

Describes activities that use the geometric construction capabilities of the Geometer's Sketchpad computer software to explore triangles. Topics investigated include angle measurement, the sum of the measures of the angles of a triangle and a five-pointed star, triangle classification, and area and perimeter of a triangle. (MDH)

Investigates effects of a manipulative instructional approach and traditional instruction on the achievement of subtraction facts for 4 African-American and 26 white second graders in a rural North Carolina school. Greater gains in achievement of subtraction basic facts occurred with the manipulative instruction approach. Implications for…

Discusses results of an action research study of second-grade students' group work which indicated that, when students were not given sample solutions for problems, they were more likely to use higher order thinking, take ownership of strategies, discuss solutions longer, and be more accepting of other views. (MKR)

An urban teacher highlighted cost of living to make mathematics instruction more meaningful and help students develop problem-solving strategies. Sixth graders created and operated their own businesses in class, learning how to depend upon themselves and budget their money as they faced realistic problems with budgets, bills, and sales. (Author/SM)

Provides six fully developed library media activities designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, mathematics, science, guidance and counseling, reading/language arts, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described for…

Described are the difficulties encountered in a bicultural educational context by Australian Aboriginals. Theoretical perspectives, the social context for mathematics communication, and the use of educational software are discussed. Suggestions for overcoming social difficulties in mathematics are provided. (CW)

Investigated the nature of pedagogical competency in student teachers identified as outstanding in mathematics, comparing their planning, teaching, and post-lesson reflections. Data from interviews, observations, and field notes found many commonalities among student teachers. They were not yet skilled in improving activities and explanations to…

Provides an overview of a field-based teacher-preparation program, indicating how the elementary mathematics methods course plays a part. Also shares insights from observations in elementary classrooms related to mathematics (use of manipulatives, textbook choices, instructional delivery systems, and placement of teacher-education students) and in…

Investigated changes over four years for three elementary teachers participating in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), which emphasized students' mathematical thinking and supported teachers through workshops, mentoring, and collaboration. Interviews and observations indicated that CGI allowed teachers to engage in ongoing practical inquiry…

Examined effects of computer-assisted cooperative learning in Grade 3 mathematics instruction within integrated classrooms for students with and without disabilities. Found that cooperative-learning group had statistically higher achievement than did the whole-class learning group. Found no significant differences between groups of regular…

To develop their logico-mathematical foundation of number as described by Piaget (1947/1950, 1967/1971, 1971/1974), 26 low-performing, low-SES first graders were given physical-knowledge activities (e.g., Pick-Up Sticks and "bowling") during the math hour instead of math instruction. During the second half of the school year, when they showed…

Research is only beginning to show the benefits of the effective use of manipulatives with students who have disabilities. This article highlights how teachers can incorporate three manipulative instructional strategies to help students with high-incidence disabilities.

This document contains findings of a year-long evaluation of the Mathematics and Education Reform (MER) Forum, a voluntary association targeting the academic mathematics community in four-year colleges and universities. Specifically, the evaluation sought to assess the extent to which MER influenced its members' involvement in…

A study explored the causes cited by British primary school students for instances of relative success and failure in class work in a free-response setting. The study involved 157 7-, 9-, and 11-year old students in 2 primary schools. Because the 7-year-olds were reluctant to talk about their own work, children were asked to talk about the reasons…