How can teachers engage students in learning essential mathematics? The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommends using "contexts that promote problem solving, reasoning, communication, making connections, and designing and analyzing representations" (NCTM 2006, p. 11). Understanding the Process Standards (NCTM 2000) enables teachers…

This article describes the experiences of a group of primary-grade students and their teacher as they explore negative numbers over the course of two years. It is just one example of how a problem-solving environment contributes to discussion and understanding in mathematics. (Contains 3 figures.)

Demonstrates the consequences of teaching rules without understanding using examples from two 3rd grade children. Suggests alternative instructional strategies. (KHR)

Five primary-grade students identified as learning-disabled benefited from instruction that focused on making sense of mathematics word problems. Examples of student work demonstrate the students' ability to solve a variety of problem types and justify their solutions. (Author/NB)