After experiencing a Developing Mathematical Ideas (DMI) class on the construction of algebraic concepts surrounding zero and negative numbers, the author conducted an interview with a first grader to determine the youngster's existing level of understanding about these topics. Uncovering young students' existing understanding can provide focus…

Students in the classroom should be provided with engaging activities for improving their computational fluency, making effective use of time, and as a medium of self-motivation. Games such as Contig, the 24 Game, and Number Jumbler are useful for practicing basic facts and computational fluency of mathematics.

Marion Walter, an internationally acclaimed mathematics educator discusses about problem posing, focusing on both the merits of problem posing and techniques to encourage problem posing. She believes that playful attitude toward problem variables is an essential part of an inquiring mind and the more opportunities that learners have, to change a…

Strategy games can provide an interesting context for students to solve problems in an elementary mathematics classroom. The games are easy to learn, but finding a winning strategy exercises students to develop different methods to win the game.

Students should be encouraged to focus on a big mathematical idea and to look for connections between problems and solution strategies. This unified view suggests that the students are developing computational fluency with fractions.

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of offering students rewards for achievement in school mathematics programs. (Author/NB)

Analyzes mathematics software programs to find engaging and easy-to-use software for integration into the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Discusses criteria for judging good software and useful classroom implementation. (KHR)

Defines virtual manipulatives and stresses their advantages for classroom use. Presents examples on the Internet and discusses current and potential use of virtual manipulatives. (KHR)

Investigates the effects of computers and Internet technology on teaching and learning. Presents electronic examples that integrate well with high-quality mathematics instructional programs. (KHR)

Defines quality preschool mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for young children. Discusses the need for mathematics in preschool education and mathematics teachers' role in high-quality learning in preschool. (KHR)

Highlights how instruction linking home and school can be used to teach mathematics by building on experiences shared by most students. (KHR)

Describes how "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" was developed and its highlights. (KHR)

Presents responses to a problem appearing in the December, 1998 issue on the concept of determining all possibilities for colored and numbered wristbands for students. (ASK)

Discusses misconceptions about constructivism by identifying related myths such as students should always be actively and reflectively constructing, manipulatives make learners active, and cooperative learning is constructivist. One central goal of constructivism should be that students become autonomous and self-motivated in their learning.…

The president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) examines the definition of basic mathematics skills. One basic skill is understanding formulas that are used in real life. Recommends that educators use the message of NCTM's standards to make choices that will reinvent mathematics education. Challenges teachers to teach…