Studies four preservice elementary teachers during a field-based mathematics methods course to investigate elements of mathematics teaching and learning that teachers found problematic and how they resolved those problems. Concluded that teachers exhibited concerns about classroom context, pedagogy of mathematics, children's mathematical thinking,…

Describes the difficulties encountered when a college professor of education returned to an elementary school mathematics classroom. Provides excerpts from his daily journal, which is organized by themes (e.g., planning, uncertainties about students' learning, the adult as stranger, classroom management, and teaching skills), and reflects on how…

As part of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), videotapes of classroom instruction were collected from 231 eighth-grade mathematics classrooms in Germany, the United States, and Japan. Findings suggest that written reports about teaching disseminated to teachers may have little effect on classroom practices. (SLD)

Three methods designed to assist nontraditional college students in evaluating and improving their chemical and mathematical backgrounds are described and their effectiveness compared. Methods are: one-day optional symposium featuring varied tutorial sessions; a pretest and subsequent offering of topical workshops; and pretest and use of…

Describes a unit of study for gifted fifth graders that connects architecture to the content areas of history, mathematics, and science. Emphasis was on problem solving of real-world problems as recommended in major reports on mathematics instruction. The unit also used technology in innovative ways, including computer-drawn images and digital…

Examines changes in teachers' and students' use of technology in the classroom and changes in reading and math achievement for students using an Integrated Learning System in grades 1 through 3 over a three-year period. Includes recommendations for schools replicating this project. (AEF)

Provides suggestions for decreasing gender-related differences in mathematics and questions for teachers to ask themselves regarding gender equity in mathematics. Teachers are urged to highlight the contributions of female and male mathematicians, to create a classroom climate that values problem solving, and to hold high expectations for all…

This article describes Camp Invention, a national creativity day camp that integrates science, math, social studies, and the arts. The one week camp for children entering grades 2-6 attracts many academically gifted children because of its hands-on curriculum. The camp's curriculum and activities are discussed. (Contains two references.) (CR)

Lists questions and answers for mathematical investigations that teachers should ask when they consider using alternative approaches to teach new content. Presents an example of a mathematical investigation on concepts of area, symmetry, pattern, function, algebraic rules, and Pythagorean theorem. Argues that investigations offer opportunities for…

Examined group differences in the academic achievement beliefs of African American adolescents with 102 junior high school students involved in an academic enrichment program. Boys had higher beliefs about their abilities and expectations in mathematics and science. Differences in beliefs about effort for high and low achievers of both sexes are…

Offers suggestions for using Title I funds for mathematics education in new ways and highlights districts and schools that have paved the way in helping students master high levels of mathematics content. The suggestions are offered in the context of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which lowered the program's…

Investigates impact of instructional practices involving media literacy education across the curriculum by examining the work of four different teams of ninth-grade teachers. Shows that students' media literacy skills were highest where media education activities were integrated across all subject areas, where both analysis and production…

Presents activities on estimation, scaling, area of nonstandard shapes, algebraic thinking, and real-life situations using the United States of America. These activities make it possible to integrate mathematics and social studies. Uses technology by employing geometry software packages such as The Geometer's Sketchpad, Cabri, and Geometric…

Describes several short geometry tasks that go beyond the simple recognition of figures and properties. Presents scoring rubrics and questions that might be useful to middle school teachers developing short open-ended questions that encourage and assess students' thinking. (ASK)

Evaluates the ways in which empirical research supports the use of technology and technology-intensive mathematics curricula as catalysts for the mathematics education reform movement. It describes the theories, principles, and issues that influence the role of this technological revolution and discusses the ways in which technology influences the…