This study focuses on the types of models created by students during algebraic pattern finding tasks. Attention is also given to the change in models over time. This is an important area of study because a closer look is needed to better understand the models created during mathematical activity, especially in the elementary classroom. It is…

Twenty middle grades students were interviewed to gain insights into their reasoning about problem-solving strategies using a Problem Solving Justification Scheme as our theoretical lens and the basis for our analysis. The scheme was modified from the work of Harel and Sowder (1998) making it more broadly applicable and accounting for research…

This study identifies the kinds of problems teachers pose when they are asked to (a) generate problems from given information and (b) create new problems from ones given to them. To investigate teachers' problem posting, preservice and inservice teachers completed background questionnaires and four problem-posing instruments. Based on previous…

A design research study was conducted over two years with 20 second grade students who are part of the Measure Up (MU) research and development project underway at the University of Hawai'i. Students were asked to count in multiple bases. After doing so, they were asked how they knew when to go to a new place value and why it was necessary. All 20…

This project had two major goals: to determine the usefulness of individually-administered interview process to access elementary students' fluency with basic multiplication facts, and to determine whether a developmental sequence found in Australian mathematics education literature applied to elementary students in the United States. Students in…

Gender differences in the strategies elementary school children use to solve multidigit addition and subtraction story problems that require regrouping are investigated in two studies. Study 1 replicates the Fennema and colleagues (1998) study by reexamining previously published data on 72 children's addition and subtraction solution strategies.…

In this study, we examined the types and the frequencies of questions and explanations exchanged between four teachers and their students in fourth-grade mathematics classes, across two years. Specifically, we observed these classes for one week in two separate, consecutive years; in the first year, they all employed a traditional curriculum,…

Most teacher education programs do not incorporate financial education preparations into courses required for early childhood, elementary education, and middle level candidates. The authors of this manuscript explore the reasons for this omission, particularly the mathematics education component, and clarify the issues surrounding this decision.…

Fractions are important in young students' understanding of rational numbers and proportional reasoning. The teacher is fundamental in developing student understanding and competency in working with fractions. The present study spanned five years and investigated prospective teachers' competency and confidence with fraction operations as they…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) teaching sequence with integrated strategy instruction for developing addition with regrouping competence among students with learning difficulties in mathematics. A total of 16 lessons were provided to 24 students during a six-week…

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and classify particular categories of mathematical errors made by students with Limited English Proficiency. Participants included 15 general education teachers, two English as Second Language teachers, and 91 Limited English Proficiency students. General education teachers provided mathematics…

This paper gives results of a study on a Personal Response System (PRS). Three sections of college algebra are compared; one section used PRS and PowerPoint, one used PowerPoint, and one was considered a control. Students were given a pretest and posttest with a retired version of a mathematics ACT test, and all students gained an average of one…

Designed to examine the effect of various factors on the mathematics achievement of African-American students attending urban schools, this study analyzed the importance of seven constructs that are believed to either directly or indirectly impact student success. Based on factors identified by research as essential to mathematics achievement, all…

This preliminary study described fourth grade students verbally solving a mathematics problem using a think-aloud protocol. Comments in the think aloud were categorized according to type (e.g., paraphrases and elaborations) and facilitative nature (i.e., whether the comments facilitated correct solution of the problem). Amount of the students'…

High quality teaching is critical to student learning, yet takes considerable time to develop in particular content areas. Students in high-poverty, urban settings are less likely to encounter experienced and trained teachers. Administrators from a large school district and university mathematics education faculty partnered and attempted to…