Technical high school students in Japan were given a test of consumer mathematics and items from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Expectations of students' scores were predicted by their teachers and by corporate employers. Scores were quite high and were higher than comparative NAEP data. (GDC)

An activity involving the charting of the spread of a disease is described. Arrows are used to develop models of the progression of the disease. (MNS)

Describes the approach used in a doctoral seminar on designing instructional software for problem solving in mathematics. Explains how a five stage software development model was followed for producing materials. Includes student evaluations of the course. (ML)

Predictors of retrieval times produced by students having difficulty developing a reliance on retrieval for simple addition were discovered. The findings support the notion that separate limitations operate in working memory when retrieval occurs and call into question the use of the term "retrieval deficit" to explain difficulties…

A description is given of a game simulation course, developed for a full year of general mathematics credit. It traces a rock-and-roll band, with each student acting as manager. Ten activities are outlined. (MNS)

A problem-solving lesson is described, with a worksheet involving the gauges on a car's instrument panel. (MNS)

Four types of experiences in problem solving are identified, and steps children must learn to do problem solving are presented. (MP)

Learning activities designed to help students gain experience in reading three types of maps and in using the results to solve multistep problems about average speed and cost per mile are presented. Worksheets suitable for reproduction are provided. (MP)

An overview of the disadvantages and advantages of the mini-calculator in the public school classroom. While some educators fear students won't learn basic arithmetic and will become dependent on the calculator, others note its value in skill reinforcement, motivation, job preparation, and saving time in the classroom. (SB)

Discusses the possible impact of the electronic calculator on mathematics teaching. A short account of the use of calculators at present in the United Kingdom (UK) and a list of references are also included. (HM)

Describes grade-appropriate weekly activities designed to appeal directly to students by giving them open-ended questions. Activities may be worked on individually, in pairs, or in small groups. This particular set of activities focuses on stories from literature involving measurement, earning money, marketing a product, and setting up a…

This article describes "Hot Math," a third-grade intervention conducted with small groups of students with disabilities or in inclusive classrooms that fosters mathematical problem solving. Hot Math integrates two promising practices to promote mathematical problem solving, explicit instruction about transfer and self-regulation strategies.…

Reports a project that incorporated mathematical modeling into a college course. Reports evaluation of the course in terms of criteria derived from the stated aims: modeling performance, modeling framework, pedagogy assessment, and personal growth. Included are two sample problems. (YP)

Discusses what a good problem is. Describes the eight problem categories and the four dimensions for evaluating problem-solving performance. (YP)

Reviewed are two computer software packages for Macintosh microcomputers including "Phase Portraits," an exploratory graphics tool for studying first-order planar systems; and "MacMath," a set of programs for exploring differential equations, linear algebra, and other mathematical topics. Features, ease of use, cost, availability, and hardware…