Effective and data-driven math instruction can maximize student learning and achievement. This Spotlight will help analyze best practices for developing math word problems; explore how showing students both the correct and incorrect solutions can improve their understanding; investigate math 'fact fluency' and strategies for strengthening it;…

The ability to think creatively and self-regulated learning is very important in learning mathematics, in order to train students to develop their creativity. But in reality, mathematics learning that is currently happening has not been able to develop mathematical creative thinking skills and increase students' self-regulated learning. The…

With the increasing attention and surge of empirical research in providing academic instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes the need to provide teachers with research-supported strategies. Using one evidence-based strategy for teaching mathematics to students with high incidence disabilities, and another for teaching…

Technology and engineering (TE) educators have long championed the infusion of mathematics into technology curriculum, especially to enhance TE learning goals and demonstrate "connections between technology and other fields of study." There is a need for curriculum development and professional development initiatives to purposefully…

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…

"Using the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics With Gifted and Advanced Learners" provides teachers and administrators examples and strategies to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with advanced learners at all stages of development in K-12 schools. The book describes--and demonstrates with specific examples from the…

This dissertation reports the research methodology and findings of three studies focused on mathematical modeling as a structured problem-solving process where the student translates relevant details from a situation, event, or phenomena in daily life into mathematical language with mathematically-defined structures and operations, which form the…

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)

This book is designed to help better understand problem-solving instruction. It presents information on helping students understand the problem-solving process as well as information on teaching specific strategies, including: Choose an Operation; Find a Pattern; Make a Table; Make an Organized List; Draw a Picture or Diagram; Guess, Check, and…

This publication contains two topics concerning estimation and problem solving contained in one volume. It illustrates to parents that there are many opportunities every day to develop, nurture, and refine their child's mathematics skills. The section on estimation is rich with ideas on how to help a child become a better estimator using everyday…

Why games should be used in mathematics classes is discussed. Their advantages and use in teaching mathematics effectively are emphasized: to practice skills, to develop concepts, to build problem-solving strategies, and to motivate. (MNS)

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…

A computer language that can be used by people of all ages, Logo allows children the freedom to direct their own learning. Integrating Logo into the curriculum provides students the opportunity to program a computer, to engage in logical, sequential thinking and planning, to solve problems, and to manipulate text, language, graphics, and music…

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)