Drawing on anthropological theories of cultural transmission, the author suggests that the simple notion of teacher education be replaced with a concept incorporating teacher education (instruction in formal procedures), teacher enculturation (role-learning through observation), and teacher schooling (transmission of professional folklore which…

A list of heuristics for elementary school children is provided. Two examples which are viewed to demonstrate the conscientious and creative use of problem-solving strategies by fourth graders are detailed. Suggestions for teachers on how to help pupils develop their problem-solving abilities are included. (MP)

Eight boys and eight girls from a rural elementary school participated in the investigation. Specific heuristics were adopted from Polya; and the students selected represented two substages of Piaget's concrete operational stage. Five hypotheses were generated, based on observed results and the study's theoretical rationale. (MP)

This study viewed the impact of calculators on achievement and attitudes and differential effects of this use on various population groups in a community college arithmetic course. Data did not confirm the use of calculators for motivational purposes, inspiring confidence, or increasing problem-solving skills for all types of students. (MP)

Reviews concepts and studies about social class, educational achievement, and learning styles. Attempts to survey literature pertaining to socioeconomic status and educational achievement and to present the main arguments. (Author/MW)

Two questions are addressed: (1) What is Competency-Based Education (CBE); and (2) What are some persistent questions which need solutions in CBE? CBE is seen to be a unique and powerful vehicle which teachers can use to deliver instruction according to a student's needs. (MP)

Failure of most children to solve word problems beyond the simplest is seen to stem from two causes: failure to understand applied arithmetic and failure to relate problems to the real world. Relevant research is reviewed, and a route for new research is proposed. (MP)

The theories of Skemp regarding two forms of understanding in mathematics, called relational and instrumental, are discussed. (MP)

Supports the function of analogy in activating specific background knowledge and generally related knowledge in reading unfamiliar text, a view consistent with emerging schema theoretic notions. (AEA)

Grade 10 students were taught a hierarchy of intellectual skills in three different contexts: skills taught in isolation; additional verbal instructions provided; and skills taught in relation to a relevant anchoring idea. Results showed that use of the anchoring idea context enhances meaningful learning of complex skills. (Author/GK)

Identifies four judgments that comprise the myth that audiovisual educational technology is superior to traditional instructional methods. Refutes current explanations for the technology's benefits and suggests more substantial undergirdings in visual and learning theory. (Author/GC)

Analysis of 116 students revealed those who preferred to process mathematical information by verbal-logical means outperformed more visual students on tests. Spatial ability and knowledge of spatial conventions had less influence on performance than expected. (MP)

A review of literature provides evidence that certain personality characteristics are associated with a liking or ability in mathematics. More research is recommended to yield a more coherent picture of the situation. (MP)

It is argued that the view of mathematics as an activity emphasizing intuitive thinking is compatible with an axiomatic-deductive approach. (MP)

A process for helping students in the elementary grades develop their own algorithms for subtraction with carrying is described. Pupils choose their own times and ways to move from manipulative materials to written notation. (MP)