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)

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…

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)

Guides preschool educators through cooking activities that can enhance children's abilities in math, science, social studies, reading, language, motor development, art, music, social skills, and health education. Contains 11 step-by-step instructions, suggested rebus cards, important cooking rules, and recipes to ensure successful cooking with…

Each month, "Curriculum Review" offers teachers mutual support, the sharing of ideas, and words of encouragement to help them face challenges in the classroom. The April 2004 issue of "Curriculum Review" contains the following articles: (1) "We Hear from Readers"; (2) "What They're Saying"; (3) "Technology Update"; (4) "Use Class Web Site to Host…

This article describes a set of learning activities that use algebraic problems and written student work to help preservice and in-service teachers understand students' algebraic thinking. (Contains 4 figures.)

Teachers from the departments of Mathematics and Computer Science, and Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater collaboratively developed and implemented an evening math event, "Family Math Fun Night," at local elementary schools. As an assignment, preservice elementary teachers developed hands-on mathematical…

The "East Asian learner paradox" refers to the apparent contradiction between the "teacher-dominated" learning environment in East Asia, which is generally perceived to be non-conducive to learning, and the outstanding performance of East Asian students in comparative studies. This study attempts to explain this phenomenon…

Whenever teachers of young children get together there will be differences of opinion about how far children should be taught to count. Some will argue that the focus should be on small numbers to 9, building up the notion of what, say, the name 5 means, what it looks like, and how it can be represented. Others argue that with ice blocks retailing…

This paper presents a characterization of computer-based interactions by which learners can explore and investigate visual mathematical representations (VMRs). VMRs (e.g., geometric structures, graphs, and diagrams) refer to graphical representations that visually encode properties and relationships of mathematical structures and concepts.…

This paper examines 6th grade children's local conceptual development and mathematization processes as they worked a comprehensive mathematical modeling problem (creating a consumer guide for deciding the best snack chip) over several class periods. The children and their teachers were participating in a 3-year longitudinal teaching experiment in…

This collection of activities demonstrates how the study of elementary mathematics can be extended beyond the school and involve teachers and students in investigative, problem-based experiences. The activities include topics in geometry, concept of number, algebra, measurement, graphing, statistics, and probability, and are organized into five…

This book is the result of the collaborative effort of nine AYA National Board Certified Teachers in Mathematics. It represents a compilation of teacher-tested activities that prompt high school students to explore, conjecture and reflect on their mathematical adventures-- thus "experience mathematics." This edition will educate the teacher…

This book is the result of the collaborative effort of nine AYA National Board Certified Teachers in Mathematics. Experiencing Mathematics, is a compilation of teacher-tested activities that prompt high school students to explore, conjecture and reflect on their mathematical adventures--thus "experience mathematics." The relevant nature of the…