After describing his research interests and classroom perspectives, the author discusses the "social construction" frame in which he suggests that teaching and learning in the mathematics classroom be viewed. Along with the three constructs of activities, communication, and negotiation, social construction offers promise for research exploration.…

This study concerned conceptual difficulties of college students learning programming and ways the teacher can simplify the process. An analysis of general strategies used in solving problems involving loops is given, with four types of hierarchical strategy categorized. Students had difficulty transforming their algebraic descriptions into…

An overview to a session at the Fifth International Congress on Mathematical Education is given. Papers on research by Cooney, curriculum development by Goffree, reform in mathematics education by Stephens, and a summary by Nickson are included. (MNS)

Information is presented from a three-year research investigation in London which aims to characterize good mathematics teachers. Teacher, pupil, and classroom perspectives are each included for one teacher. (MNS)

The conceptual difference between understanding and algorithmic performance is examined first. Then some dilemmas that flow from these distinctions are discussed. (MNS)

This study details the establishment of a teacher/learner laboratory at Monash University in Australia and the information it yielded about the learning and teaching of mathematics. Both instructors and learners understood they were cooperating to help develop an understanding of difficulties in learning and teaching strategies and ways to reduce…

A model for learning mathematics is proposed which involves the components of using, discriminating, generalizing, and synthesizing. The ways pupils use Logo programs as tools within their projects and how the nature of their programming tools become more explicitly understood and generalized are discussed. (RH)

The ontological problem is "what exists?" The answer regarding the part of consciousness which is related to left hemisphere is that only individual discrete objects exist; objects are regarded one at a time. The answer regarding the part of consciousness which is related to right hemisphere is only comprehensive entities exist; each entity is…

Presented is a general overview of mathematics anxiety, its definition, and techniques to measure it. Included are a brief discussion of gender-related issues and an analysis of research on effects of mathematics anxiety on elementary teachers. Contained are some intervention strategies and treatments, conclusions and implications for further…

Advanced is the hypothesis that students organize their beliefs about mathematics to resolve problems that are primarily social rather than mathematical in origin. The contextuality of cognition, meaning-making, and learning in interactive situations are each discussed. (MNS)

Advantages and disadvantages of the modern definition of function, understanding the concept of function, procedures used in a study of the understandings of ninth graders, and detailed results of the study are discussed. (MNS)

Suggests that student errors in mathematics be used as motivational devices and starting points for mathematical explorations, involving problem solving and problem posing activities. It is further suggested that errors can foster a deeper and more complete understanding of mathematical content and nature of mathematics itself. (PK)

Describes an exploratory investigation of how children reacted to problems with missing, surplus or contradictory data. It was found that the majority of children gave unsatisfactory answers to such problems. (PK)

Begins with the assumption that by practicing something one often learns something else. A discussion is presented on the historical and social development of knowledge, the cognitive development of students, the role of teachers, and the meaning of learning situations. (PK)

Reports on the findings of an examination of 32 linear algebra textbooks. The examination, to determine existing approaches to teaching the topics, was in preparation for developing a linear algebra program for high school students. (PK)