This eleventh annual annotated listing of research in mathematics education included 11 research summaries, 184 journal-published reports, and 359 dissertations. Grade or age level is indicated for each reference and an index for mathematical topics is included. (MNS)

Compares the effects of DISTAR, Action Reading, and a cognitive development approach on the reading readiness and mathematical achievement of kindergarten children. Concludes that DISTAR was superior to the other programs on all variables. (FL)

The author seeks to clarify the difficulty and complexity of the things youngsters must do to learn mathematics, and to have teachers question their own views about children in redefining mathematics instruction. (MP)

An approach to teaching multiplication and division with negative numbers that focuses on graphs to illustrate concepts is revealed. The material and problems used are presented with comments on the teaching methods applied with 11-year-olds. (MP)

Four games and documentation in a computer assisted mathematics program (Applesoft Basic) are reviewed. Although the games do not teach mathematical concepts, they do serve to reinforce concepts/skills students already possess. The intended audience is elementary/junior high school students, but the programs could be used for mathematics…

Investigated the effects of individual difference variables of field dependence/independence and spatial visualization ability on the performance of college students in three modes. The extent to which four variables account for variability in retention test performance on certain tasks was also viewed. (MP)

Tenth graders solved mathematical problems assisted by varying amounts of help from their teacher. Significant differences occurred between students receiving aid and the unaided control group. Partial assistance resulted in better immediate performance, but this difference was less observable three weeks later. (Author/GDC)

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)

The aims of the article are: (1) to outline the general tenets of the "back to basics" movements; (2) to indicate how these tenets go counter to emerging research on hemispheric specialization; and (3) to suggest methods which are brain-compatible and likely to produce competent creative problem solvers. (Author/TG)

Convinced that today's high school youngsters generally are poorly prepared in mathematics, Michigan State University math personnel invited a number of practitioners to discuss causes and suggest ways to improve math achievement. (Author)

The problems of using formalistic methods in the instruction of mathematics to elementary level children are discussed. Precision in mathematical language is not seen as a useful instructional tool, and functional modes of communication are stressed. (MP)

Worksheets are included that use triangular shapes designed to provide practice for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers. (MP)

Five different triangle shapes cut from poster board or construction paper provide the springboard for student activities and discussions of a variety of geometric concepts from kindergarten to grade 8. (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)