Addresses NCTM recommendations regarding nonroutine problem solving. Illustrates general approaches, teacher discourse, and aims of problem solving via three nonroutine problems. Compares expert and novice approaches to problem solving and applies procedures endorsed by Polya regarding problem-solving strategies. Includes nine additional…

Presents an activity integrating mathematics and science intended to introduce students to the use of metric measurement of mass as a way to increase the meaningfulness of observations about variables in life sciences. Involves measuring the nutrient tolerance of algae. Contains a reproducible algae nutrient graph. (Author/MKR)

This report details results of providing gifted and talented middle school and early high school students with computer-based advanced placement courses in mathematics and physics. Three such groups in the Education Program for Gifted Youth at Stanford University (California) were followed. Results support acceleration for such students and the…

Deficits common among secondary students with learning disabilities or mathematics deficiencies are considered, along with a strategy to teach upper level mathematics, such as algebra or calculus. The strategy involves use of a mentor to help students to comprehend mathematics vocabulary, develop their own problem-solving strategy, and create a…

Proposed educational reforms of instruction and the curriculum are briefly examined, and ways that research and practice can be better coordinated are discussed. Experiences in grade three mathematics instruction are shared to illustrate how blurring the boundaries between teaching and research might enhance both endeavors. (SW)

Constructivism, which holds that knowledge is created out of each individual's own experience, is recapturing researchers' attention. To constructivists, teachers are not omniscient oracles, but nutritionists providing an environment for children to grow their own knowledge. Students might learn division by planning a field trip instead of…

The concept of fractional number was studied with 10- to 12-year-old and 13- to 16-year-old students who were deaf and hard of hearing (n=21) and comparison groups of hearing students (n=26). The deaf and hard-of-hearing students achieved similarly to younger hearing students in overall performance by fraction type and problem solving strategies.…

Presents a series of reflections in which a second-grade teacher recognizes the value of encouraging children to develop various computational processes as well as a range of different solution approaches. Uses the context of mentally calculating costs of menu items. (MKR)

Describes the use of the children's book "Geraldine's Blanket" to promote discussion and allow the teacher to assess the children's understanding of area, place value, number sense, fractions, and problem-solving strategies. (MKR)

Studied effectiveness of instruction in seriation and classification for kindergartners cognitively lagging behind their peers. Found that extensive classification and seriation instruction in a variety of formats was particularly helpful in facilitating cognitive gains for struggling kindergartners. Individualized instruction provided children…

Describes five formats of alternative assessment (journal writing, open-ended problems, portfolios, interviews, and performance assessments) for mathematics and science, how these methods can be implemented, and benefits of each type. Samples are included. (13 references) (Author/MKR)

Provides a method of demonstrating triangles on a curved surface to aid the student in seeing that the sum of the angles are either more or less than 180 degrees depending upon which side of the sphere the triangle is placed. (MVL)

Presents mathematics activities that give students in grades three through six practice in writing and problem solving by using the setting of a zoo or animal park. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

The reported practices of 25 elementary school teachers related to teaching mathematics with manipulatives, and reasons offered in support of instructional methodologies, were studied. Results reveal a wide range of interpretations of the term manipulatives and much variation in practice, highlighting a gap between research theory and practice.…

Presents activities focusing on the use of visual perspectivity. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)