Geometry should be a frequent and familiar part of the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Exercises to help children master basic terminology and visualize shapes and geometric relationships are described. They range from a "shape bag," which teaches simple identification of figures, to more complex activities involving polyominoes and…

Recommends that computer assisted instruction (CAI) be used for teaching reading, language arts, and mathematics to children who have difficulty achieving basic academic skills. Computer programs which have been used with low academic achievers in several parts of the U.S. are discussed. Seven references are listed. (Author/MER)

Potential instructional uses of the computer for expanding middle school mathematics programs are described. Content areas which are represented include geometry, number theory, computation, consumer education, and probability. (Author/JN)

It is hypothesized that those drawn to elementary school teaching do not necessarily enjoy mathematics. A questionnaire was given to over 200 college students, half of them prospective elementary teachers, who were also required to write an essay on attitudes toward mathematics. The results are discussed, and mathematics specialists promoted. (MP)

A National Science Board commission has identified problems in precollege science/mathematics education and has formed four task forces to investigate the problems. Task forces will focus on role of government, educational establishment, organizations, and business/industry in addressing teacher shortages/retention, instructional improvement,…

Mathematics is a language -- a way of describing, recording in mathematical sentences, and interpreting the symbols used to denote relationships. It is also an activity involving a way of thinking and a means of using relationships to solve problems. Opportunities must be provided for these activities in mathematics teaching. (Author/JN)

A series of lessons designed to promote problem-solving skills by encouraging students to write programs is presented. All samples of solutions are written in BASIC. (MP)

Problem-solving activities of one form or another are encouraged at all times, with problem-solving lessons recommended at least every 10 to 12 days throughout the year. A number of ways to carry out such a heavy schedule are outlined. (MP)

An approach to problem solving broader than the traditional one most often used by instructors is described and recommended. Implementation of these ideas has the potential of increasing problem solving ability of students while promoting a fuller appreciation of the value of the process. (MP)

Compares the effectiveness of three instructional modes for teaching metric knowledge and raising the level of positive metric attitudes of preservice elementary teachers who include both high and low mathematics achievers. Similar gain scores and attitudes resulted from the three randomly assigned treatment groups of preservice teachers (N=141).…

Bulletin boards are viewed as an integral part of the teaching-learning process. Examples of boards that encourage students to interact and learn are presented. Teachers are encouraged to try to set up some of their own favorite bulletin boards in this particular format. (MP)

An activity designed as an opening-day lesson for a mathematics class is discussed. In practice, the activity is viewed as partly responsible for improving student and teacher rapport. The information gathered can be used in a variety of mathematical investigations, and suggestions for extensions are made. (MP)

The material is designed for pupil practice in: (1) associating numerals with sets of objects and finding sums of two or three numbers; (2) subtracting, one- and two-digit numbers with some regrouping; (3) mental computation using the basic operations; and (4) using combinations of basic operations with whole numbers and decimals. (MP)

Individual and classroom learning activities that involve "no-cook cookery" (cooking without heat) and that teach concepts in the areas of science, mathematics, social studies, language arts, visual arts, and botany are described. (CJ)

It is noted that too many students who go to college today are poorly prepared for college mathematics. It is believed that any student who goes to college without a minimum of two years of algebra and one of geometry will be at a serious, possibly insurmountable, disadvantage. (MP)