Recent "reform" curricula both ignore the absence of supporting data and completely misunderstand the role of problem solving in cognition. If, the argument goes, teachers are not really teaching people mathematics but rather are teaching them some form of general problem solving, then mathematical content can be reduced in importance. According…

Four specific problems are presented, discussed, and extended to illustrate how diverse instructional strategies, materials, and resources can be used to develop problem-solving skills. (MP)

Techniques for overcoming chronic gender differences in mathematics and science achievement are provided, focusing primarily on the teacher's role in establishing a safe and nurturing classroom environment. Strategies for fostering female students' confidence include thoroughly teaching problem solving processes, openly discussing gender…

These two bulletins were developed for the Calculator Information Center. "Motivating Activities for Low (and Higher) Achievers," prepared by Don Miller, presents activities that suggest ways in which a calculator can be used to help reinforce or develop certain mathematical ideas. Included are sections with activities for numeration,…

This fourth yearbook on research on mathematics teaching in Finland contains five articles, four in English and the fifth in German. "Mathematics as a Cognitive Science" (C. Letteri) examines cognitive aspects related to teaching and learning mathematics, with the focus on the different levels of comprehension and an analysis of basic…

Discusses the use of drawings to nurture problem-solving attitudes and independent learning. Drawings help develop thinking skills, clarify misconceptions, develop representational preferences, supply a context for relationships in K-8 mathematics, and illustrate mathematical connections. (MDH)

TOPS, a set of materials designed to improve problem solving instruction, was evaluated in two large urban school districts from Fall 1980 to Spring 1982. At Site A, the program was implemented at the middle school level (grades 5-8), where most mathematics teachers were specialists; they accepted the problem-solving activities after some initial…

Presents two spreadsheets for middle school students applying Polya's heuristic to help develop number sense, reasoning abilities, and problem-solving skills. Spreadsheet 1, "the coin problem," allows students to vary coin quantities to total $8.32. Spreadsheet 2, "ratios," develops number relationships while finding 3 3-digit…

This article describes the factors to which the classroom teacher needs to attend to enhance the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students. Emphasis is placed upon the means necessary to develop the attribute of being a problem solver, rather than focusing on the goal of becoming a problem solver. (JJK)

This guide is designed to provide teachers with materials they can use with young women to help them to achieve in mathematics and to encourage them to take as many math courses as possible in high school. During their early school years, students develop skills and attitudes toward learning that form the basis of future academic growth. This…

This mathematics curriculum guide is to serve as a model and resource to Iowa school personnel as they develop or refine mathematics curriculum. It is based on research about how students learn mathematics and on recommendations from recent reports and studies. The philosophy and eight goals are identified. The second section of the guide concerns…

Issues related to the improvement of mathematics and science education pertain to Native students as well as to the general population. Native students are most successful at tasks that use visual and spatial abilities and that involve simultaneous processing. Instruction should build on Native students' strengths. Experiential learning and…

This proceedings of the annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) includes the following research papers: "Calculators in Primary Education" (van den Brink); "Microworlds and Van Hiele Levels" (Dreyfus, Thompson); "Dynamical Mazes and the Ob-Serving Computer" (Harmegnies, Lowenthal); "Iterative…

The fourth volume of this proceedings contains 29 full research reports continuing on from Volume 3, 84 short oral communications (abstracts only) and 34 poster presentations (abstracts only). The full papers include: (1) "Beliefs, Teacher Education and the History of Mathematics" (George N. Philippou and Constantinos Christou); (2)…