Open-ended tasks focused on content specific features are regarded as an effective way to promote particular concept development and to elicit higher-order thinking. Such tasks may vary widely in their focus and approach and they can be formulated without unnecessary complexity. When mathematics tasks are designed in an open-ended fashion they can…

Virtually all mathematics is based on pattern and structure. A mathematical "pattern" is any predictable regularity, usually involving numbers or space. In every pattern, the various elements are organised in some regular fashion. The way a pattern is organised is called its "structure," which may be numerical or spatial. In this article, the…

This article explores children's responses to a task that requires them to represent square units in a grid pattern, and highlights the importance to a child's mathematical development of recognizing pattern and structure. The grid task explores children's imagery association with area measurement, and provides clear evidence of students'…

Describes a classroom-based model for professional development that allows teachers to gain further insight into matching learning experiences with a child's potential. (ASK)