The process of developing a pre-mathematics curriculum for nursery schools and some of the issues involved in creating such a curriculum are discussed. (SD)

Investigates the effectiveness of unit seven of the MINNEMAST program in kindergarten classrooms using a pretest-posttest design. Concludes that this unit, as well as other units of MINNEMAST, would be an applicable science program in kindergarten classrooms. (HM)

It is shown that, by taking as the basis unit vectors along the sides of an equilateral triangle, certain isometric transformations can easily be determined in matrix form. (MN)

Children attempted a division problem in one of four distraction settings: minimal, situational, color-attribute, or spatial-numerical. The effects of both grade level and distraction setting in problem-solving performance were highly significant, with children who used a manipulative approach being more prone to distraction than those using a…

Described are various common misconceptions about the nature of mathematics and suggests that courses or activities based on model building might help change these. Two examples are offered. (SD)

The author develops a four-stage model for concept-internalization. The stages are: (1) concrete structure; (2) linguistic structure; (3) algorithm; and (4) mastery. The model is related to teaching methods and the teaching of long division is examined in detail. (SD)

Describes how a sixth grade teacher and her eleven students (with a typical range of math abilities) explored the mathematical concept of "infinity" through play. Discusses the pedagogy of critical/creative thinking. (SR)

Examines several uses of the word cancel and suggests alternative terminology. In particular, arithmetic and algebraic examples are used to illustrate problems associated with the term cancel. (PK)

Defines and discusses number sense. Suggests a variety of activities appropriate for primary students that will help develop number sense. (PK)

Defines and supports investigative mathematics for schools. Presents several results of an investigation of Fermat's Last Theorem. (PK)

Classroom ideas for teaching area and perimeter concepts are presented. Squares, circles and other shapes are examined. Further explorations are suggested. (PK)

Proportion problems were given to pupils in grades 3-5. Success rates were high, with elementary strategies based on addition often used. Familiarity with the use of ratios in the context, the presence of a mixture, and the use of manipulatives were variables that influenced performance. (Author/MNS)

Outlines two mathematics teaching strategies: the exploration/discovery approach to mathematical concepts, and the use of pair group problem-solving. These require teachers to shift from the traditional role of lecture/demonstrator to a role demanding new skills in planning and facilitating student work. Includes 10 references. (MD)

Suggestions for using microcomputers in statistics instruction are described, with programs that a seven-year-old could write using LOGO. (MNS)

This sampler presents assessment tasks that are appropriate for use with students from age 4 through age 8. The book provides teachers of primary grades mathematics with examples of assessment tasks that reflect the various ways assessments can be used prior to, during, and following mathematics instruction. Teachers can then consider the …