The relative effects of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures were compared on achievement and the acquisition of high-level cognitive reasoning strategies. Results indicate that cooperative interaction, promoted higher achievement and the discovery of superior cognitive reasoning strategies. (Author/GK)

Defines "skill-to-meaning" instruction. Describes research designed to determine the effectiveness of skill-to-meaning mathematics instruction for educable mentally handicapped children. Discusses educational implications of the study results and notes the benefits of meaning for handicapped children. (SB)

Presents an extended activity consisting of a sequence of tasks organized so that students can visit several mathematical concepts concurrently and explore connections among them. Students build solids using bendable straws to form the skeletons of various polyhedra. Topics covered include tables and charts, algebraic expressions, surface area,…

Discusses a performance assessment tool that entails open-ended tasks requiring students not only to provide answers but to show their solution processes. Discusses several areas to address in developing open-ended tasks. Areas include the need to assess important mathematical content and cognitive processes, use of effective prompts, and use of…

Describes a study that determined the implications of computer graphics types and epistemological beliefs with regard to the design of computer-based mathematical concept learning with elementary school students in Taiwan. Discusses the factor structure of the epistemological belief questionnaire, student performance, and students' attitudes…

Discusses a method of implementing the computer algebra system DERIVE for diagnosis and remediation of basic difficulties in mathematics. Learning activities for junior high school students were developed, each directed at a different area of difficulty. The basic strategy implemented in these activities is replicating and completing examples.…

Describes the results of a classroom trial activity to encourage communication in mathematics. Students were asked to write a short story or a joke or to create a cartoon about an aspect of mathematics, which was in this case isolating the variable or property of negative 1. The activity revealed creativity and allowed the teacher to determine how…

Described are inconsistencies, definitions, and examples and their complex relationship which can be used to interpret students' reactions to the geometric tasks used to investigate inconsistencies in student thinking. Discusses the nature of definitions, the value of precise vocabulary, the use and limitations of prototypes, and the power of…

Discusses the use of computers in calculus classes. Describes activities in four laboratories providing with the problems of the laboratories. (YP)

Presented are some current facts about symbol manipulators and their relation to high school mathematics. The development of computer algebra systems is discussed. Five areas of computer algebra needing investigation (skill proficiency, understanding, curriculum content, student homework, and equity) are identified. (MVL)

Investigates the development of concepts and processes associated with computational estimation. Twelve students at each of grades three, five, seven, and nine were interviewed. The older children understood better than the younger children what was asked but were uncomfortable with estimation processes and outcomes. (Author/YP)

Examined are gender differences across the mathematics curriculum related to various topic areas and mathematical abilities. It was found that boys performed better than girls in geometry and excelled in comprehension, and solving routine and non-routine problems while girls were better at mathematical manipulation problems. (Author/MVL)

Discusses the use of the computer to encourage a versatile approach to learning involving both symbolic/logical and visual/holistic types of mental activity. Provides experimental data showing the effect of an enhanced Socratic mode of teaching. (YP)

Discusses the use of the symbolic manipulator which helps students solve equations one step at a time. Recommends features to look for in algebra tools. Compares 14 programs on general, graphic, numeric, and symbolic manipulation and provides short reviews of each. (MVL)

Illustrates how, through the words selected, the patterns of interaction experienced, and the range of events constructed in a bilingual sixth-grade classroom, students and teachers defined what counted as mathematics, mathematical actions, and being mathematicians. The patterns of language use and the range of mathematical events within the first…