These instructional materials were produced as part of the project, Developing Computational Estimation Materials for the Middle Grades. The introduction to these sixth grade materials covers the following: why teach estimation; how the materials were developed; and how the lessons are organized. The 15 lessons that follow are designed to teach…

This paper looks at the issue of mathematics learning from a developmental perspective. It begins by focusing on the importance for teachers of understanding how mathematical thinking develops. The New Zealand Number Framework is used as an example of a developmental progression that is of particular relevance to the teaching of mathematics. The…

A study of how teachers integrate the computer into the mathematics curriculum was conducted using a sample of 200 secondary mathematics teachers from 54 different schools in an urban school district. The design was descriptive in nature and consisted of a mail survey collecting data on: (1) the backgrounds of the teachers; (2) how teachers used…

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive Level 1 videodisc program called "Mastering Fractions." The evaluation was conducted in two parts. Part 1 was a controlled study that compared the Mastering Fractions program to a more traditional fractions curriculum while controlling for any novelty effect of the…

The Educational Leaders in Mathematics (ELM) Project was a five-stage experimental design to assist elementary and secondary inservice teachers in developing a constructivist view of learning as a basis for designing and implementing instruction in mathematics. Teachers participating in a 2-week summer institute experienced the role of mathematics…

Three concerns investigated were: (1) the effect of two methods of teaching reading comprehension skills in a content area upon students' problem-solving performance on first-year algebra word problems; (2) the effects of three achievement levels of each assigned factor--reading comprehension, computational mathematics, and mathematical…

This document describes mathematical programs on the basic concepts of algebra produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Programs included are: (1) "Inverse Operations"; (2) "The Order of Operations"; (3) "Basic Properties" (addition and multiplication of numbers and variables); (4) "The Positive and Negative…

The aim of this study was to identify deficiencies in students' knowledge and understanding of basic algebraic concepts and operations. Since analysis of errors is an effective way of tracing misconceptions in mathematics, a diagnostic test was compiled for this purpose. A total of 162 items was included in the test which was administered to 4,635…

The resource guide identifies products which assist learning disabled and mentally retarded individuals in accessing IBM (International Business Machine) Personal Computers or the IBM Personal System/2 family of products. An introduction provides a general overview of ways computers can help learning disabled or retarded persons. The document then…

The costs, effects, and utility of mathematics instruction supplemented by microcomputer presentations were compared with those of traditional classroom approaches for grades 3 and 5. The study was completed at a single school in a rural area of Saskatchewan, Canada, where two classrooms at each grade level were used in a pretest-posttest design.…

In this project, a plan for solving word problems based on the students' level of development was developed. A 10-week implementation of a plan for solving word problems at the concrete level of development included the use of a flow chart or plan to map out and solve word problems. Students then used the flow chart and manipulatives to develop…

The fundamentals of algebra and algebraic thinking should be a part of the background of all citizens in society. The vast increase in the use of technology requires that school mathematics ensure the teaching of algebraic thinking as well as its use at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Algebra is a universal theme that runs through…

Recent increased interest in content-based language instruction is due to new developments in second language acquisition theory, and to the need to provide equal educational opportunities to the growing number of immigrant children. Facets of second language learning that need to be developed in content-based instruction include specialized…

This paper considers the role that teacher educators accord to subject matter knowledge in helping teachers to change their practice. Two inservice programs that aim to effect radical change in teachers' practices are examined, one focusing on the teaching of mathematics and the other on the teaching of writing. Drawing on data from interviews and…

Teaching practices and professional and personal characteristics of 49 effective first-grade teachers, and the materials they used, were studied in an effort to determine what effective teachers do to promote learning in reading and mathematics. Data indicated that effective teachers: (1) had high expectations for student learning; (2) provided…