Subjects were pretested and then randomly assigned to a verbal treatment or a figural treatment for a programed lesson on the integers modulo 7. The expected interactions among treatment success and cognitive abilities were not observed. The authors suggest further study. (SD)

The reported study is an attempt to investigate possible interaction between criterion measures of learning and retention of material and figural-inductive and symbolic-deductive methods of presentation. (MN)

Fifth graders performed better than third graders on discovering the function rule relating two number pairs. Task difficulty and mode of presentation (graphic or symbolic) varied by function. The children seemed ready to relinquish a hypothesis in the face of disconfirming evidence. (MNS)

The development of a quantitative concept of rational numbers was explored in interviews with 16 fourth and fifth graders in two cities. High performers used a flexible and spontaneous application of concepts of rational number order and fraction equivalence, and a reference point, while low achievers tended not to. (MNS)

Fourth-grade students' understanding of the order and equivalence of rational numbers was investigated in 132 interviews during an 18-week teaching experiment. Six children were instructed individually and as a group at two sites, with instruction relying heavily on manipulative aids. Strategies used to compare fractions were identified. (MNS)

Reported is a study of the interaction between figural and semantic abilities (as defined in Guilford's Structure of the Intellect") and success in a programmed unit in modular arithmetic. The subjects were prospective elementary teachers. Significant interactions were found between both figural and semantic factors and methods of instruction.…

Calculator use by kindergarten and first-grade pupils was examined to see whether they could perceive and use the "counter button." Results indicated pupils at this age could use calculators as a tool, and further research is encouraged. (MP)

Describes a study of preservice teachers (N=30) that provides confirming evidence that students usually use two rational number operator constructs. Discusses the cognitive models of the students' strategies and the notational system used as an analytical tool. Contains 22 references. (DDR)