The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of a dynamic assessment (DA) of algebraic learning in predicting third graders' development of mathematics word-problem difficulty. In the fall, 122 third-grade students were assessed on a test of math word-problem skill and DA of algebraic learning. In the spring, they were assessed on…

The question of how to enhance the learning of low-achieving students in mathematics presents an important challenge to researchers and teachers alike. We investigated whether and how the use of a contextual story presented in a video clip facilitated low-achieving students' understanding of the meaning of fraction expansion. To this end, we (a)…

Background: Interdisciplinary teaching through physical education has been discussed in the physical education literature over the past two decades. However, there is no qualitative study of what interdisciplinary teaching in physical education means to students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe students' views of and educational…

Many times teachers hear students say: "Why are we learning this? Why do we have to know this? When are we going to use this outside of class time?" These common questions are probably familiar to most high school teachers. An 11th-grade English teacher attended a university-school district professional development (PD) program on…

This volume, a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of today's issues in mathematics education, distills research to build knowledge and capacity in the field. The compendium is a valuable new resource that provides the most comprehensive evidence about what is known about research in mathematics education. The 38 chapters present five…

This study identified variations in the learning trajectories of Tier II students when learning equivalent fraction concepts using physical and virtual manipulatives. The study compared three interventions: physical manipulatives, virtual manipulatives, and a combination of physical and virtual manipulatives. The research used a sequential…

In June 2018 the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group/Groupe Canadien d'étude en didactique des mathématiques (CMESG/GCEDM) held its 42nd meeting in the idyllic setting of Squamish, British Columbia. This meeting marked the first time CMESG/GCEDM had been in British Columbia since 2010 and the first time it had been held at Quest University.…

Curriculum reforms in the teaching of mathematics have encouraged a move away from sole memorisation of facts to the construction of deeper levels of understanding. With this reform, teachers of mathematics are called to act as facilitators of the construction of mathematical knowledge. However, some research suggests that students believe that…

In this article, we apply the well-known equations of projectile motion to the case of a fighter pilot ejecting from an aircraft, the aim being to establish under what conditions there is danger of impact with the rear vertical stabilizer. The drag force on the pilot after ejection is assumed to vary as the velocity squared and the aircraft motion…

This article centers on studying the progress of algebraic syntax once students have surmounted initial obstacles found in the transition toward symbolic algebra. It specifically analyzes students' progress concerning the operation on the unknown, when the latter is represented by an expression that involves a 2nd unknown. In curricular terms,…

In this article, we describe aspects of mathematical language that could be problematic to English-language learners, provide recommendations for teaching English-language learners, and suggest activities intended to foster language development in mathematics. (Contains 1 figure.)

Children are often intrigued by number patterns and games and so it makes sense for teachers to include them in their mathematics lessons. Puzzles encourage the use of critical thinking skills and provide practice in important skills areas. The use of games fosters mathematical learning and encourages the mathematical processes that children use.…

Many students and adults feel that algebra is merely the shuffling of symbols. The three interrelated concepts of variable, expression, and equation are central to beginning algebra, and in recent years, helping students understand the idea of a variable has been emphasized. Although graphing calculators help students solve equations, it is also…

Building coherence in the development of mathematical ideas across the grades is key to improving students' mathematical learning in the United States. Knowing the mathematical experiences, understanding, skills, and habits of mind that students bring to a grade level and what the expectations are for the following grades can help teachers bridge…

For the Garland Independent School District, a tournament was the tipping point. With too many of its students failing the math portion of state-mandated exams and in danger of being held back, the suburban Dallas district was determined to raise scores. The students lacked motivation, and Garland was seeking a better method of engaging them.…