Discusses the process and the usefulness of translating empirical logic puzzles into mathematical problems which may be more easily solved, then translating the answer back into the context of the original problem. Presents nine logic puzzles devised by Lewis Carroll, with answers. (AIM)

Presents a model of what it means to understand mathematics followed by examples of exercises designed to develop understanding in specific ways. Presumes that understanding is more likely to develop if it is the direct focus of exercises. (AIM)

Asked 391 students to provide 3 types of mathematics self-efficacy judgments. Students' reported confidence to answer the problems they were later asked to solve proved a more powerful predictor of that performance than either their confidence to perform math-related tasks or to succeed in math-related courses. (RJM)

Two studies pursued theory that knowledge of addition combinations facilitates learning of subtraction combinations. Study 1 involved 25 kindergartners and 15 first graders in a gifted program; study 2 involved 21 first graders in a regular program. Participants responded to two pairs of problems. Findings revealed that the complementary…

Seventy-two items testing various aspects of mathematics were given to 12,131 10-year-old British children. Despite the absence of difference in intelligence level, the mean scores on the mathematics test for children with dyslexia was not only lower than that of normal achievers, but also lower than that of underachievers. (Contains references.)…

In this paper we consider the extent to which learning objects that focus on higher level thinking might be seen as Type II applications, as defined by Maddux, Johnson, and Willis (2001). We conclude that learning objects are at best hybrid applications, with some Type I and some Type II characteristics. We also consider whether the educational…

In this article, the authors offer three definitions of dyscalculia, then describe the background and initial progress of the Harrow Dyscalculia Project. Their project in Harrow is associated with ongoing research into numeracy and brain development led by Brian Butterworth, Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology at UCL. Pupils from Harrow schools…

The focus of this issue of "NetNews" is dyscalculia, or math disability. Most of the attention over the years has been on reading and writing difficulties, thus leading to the belief that math difficulties are not very common or serious. However, it has been estimated that about 6% of school-age children experience significant math difficulties.…

Anxiety about statistics can result in impaired performance, mental anguish, and avoidance of statistics courses needed for professional advancement. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the anxiety felt by students in graduate statistics courses to their characteristics and to the teaching strategies used by their…

By measuring the performance of 62 students enrolled in a community college introductory algebra course, this study challenges the generally accepted assumption among mathematics instructors that mastery of arithmetic is necessary for the learning of algebra. Study subjects were 35% male, 74% Hispanic, 16% Black, 8% white, and 2% other. A pretest,…

Examined whether global academic self-concept and academic self-efficacy beliefs that vary in domain specificity/globality represent distinct or common underlying dimensions. Results based on 205 university students revealed that each of the variables represented separate, though related, latent dimensions of self-perception. Implications for…

Investigated relation between development of understanding principles that govern a problem and of mathematical strategies used to solve it. Subjects were college students and 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th graders. The pattern of estimated answers provided a measure of intuitive understanding of task principles. Understanding an intuitive principle was…

This article describes the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle School, Inc., a non-for profit public foundation dedicated to strengthening the education of gifted youngsters though mathematics competitions. The development of the Olympiads, the program's structure, and the benefits of competition are discussed. Sample questions and answers…

Examination of (n=186) eighth-grade students found marked differences between boys and girls on a mathematics test that were paralleled by differences in both trait-like self-referenced cognitions (academic self-concept of mathematical ability, goal orientation, and attribution) and task-specific appraisals. Contains 77 references. (Author/MKR)

Study evaluates the effects of both performance accomplishment and vicarious learning experiences on the math/science self-efficacy and career interests, goals, and actions of career-undecided college students. Undergraduate participants were assigned one of four treatment conditions for the study. Theoretical and counseling implications of the…