Contrasts the author's experiences teaching mathematics in Russia and as an immigrant to the United States. The author is particularly critical of the emphasis on grades and formal records in American higher education. American education is often guilty of confusing good grades or a degree with competence. (SLD)

Interviewed third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade students to assess who, why, and in what situations students ask for help when they have problems in math. Found that students generally saw teachers as more likely than classmates to facilitate learning. Several grade-related differences are also reported. (MM)

Argues that methods and procedures for teaching geography are becoming increasingly important as nongeography teachers present geographic concepts in other subjects. Describes an interdisciplinary instructional unit in which students use mathematical calculations to identify population centers in the United States and China. Provides maps, tables,…

Describes recent offerings in math software for fractions lessons that provide instruction and interactivity not previously available in electronic formats. Compares three products, including selection criteria for multimedia supplemental materials. A table provides specific information on the products, including grade level, format, system…

Describes two interdisciplinary units that can be used in most middle school classrooms, one on the sinking of the "Titanic" and one on Pickett's charge at Gettysburg during the Civil War. Describes how each unit involves English, math, social studies, and science classes and activities. (SR)

Investigates the extent to which computers were being used by middle and high school mathematics teachers in Missouri. Develops an understanding of the basis for teachers' decisions regarding the use of computers--or lack of--in instruction. Reports that the teachers did not use computers for purposes other than drill and practice. Contains 44…

A survey of 226 Mexican-American mathematics students at a Texas high school found that student attitudes toward mathematics were not very favorable, with female students' attitudes being more negative than those of males. There was a greater occurrence of traditional, teacher-centered activities in all classes in comparison to nontraditional,…

Investigates different approaches of students from different cultures to problems and problem-solving strategies. Suggests ways to encourage students to use algebraic strategies. Provides some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

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…