Metacognition is described and suggestions for teachers about developing and improving metacognitive skills in performing mathematical tasks are given. (MNS)

Pertinent findings from research on problem solving are presented to describe how primary-level children may gain an understanding of addition and subtraction as well as practice computational skills through one-step problems. Then suggestions for teaching problem solving are given. (MNS)

This book emphasizes the importance of research to the school psychologist. Written in a conversational style, it looks at research as a tool for problem solving and a basis for action rather than as an academic exercise. Research is described as an interaction, a point of contact to get things moving, a different way of seeing a problem. The…

Research findings on problem solving and ideas for improving problem-solving instruction are presented. What a problem is and the fact that few problems appear in textbooks are noted. What successful problem solvers do is discussed, with the stages of problem solving described, including the point that checking their work may be the most important…

Research identifies two interrelated memories--one that retains facts and symbols and one that retains motor and problem-solving skills. These and other findings challenge educators to determine what students should memorize, to help them move from random memorization to creating useful concepts, and to teach students to use memory in problem…

Research on the effectiveness of microcomputer software for drill and practice is briefly summarized, as well as research on other ways of using microcomputers. (MNS)

Experimental studies conducted since 1980 were reviewed. Each of the 34 studies concerning problem solving is briefly summarized, followed by comments, criticisms, and/or concerns. A summary indicates that experimental research of the 1980s seems to focus on: (1) children's processes, understanding, functioning, difficulties, and representations;…

Recent advances in cognitive psychology provide insights into thinking processes and learning behavior that can help teachers prepare students for the demands of the workplace. Studies of successful students have found that the depth of their information processing is directly related to the quality of their learning outcomes. That is, more…

The need for mathematics teachers to incorporate instruction in problem-solving skills into the curriculum is discussed. Results of a study of problem-solving instruction in the classrooms of nine seventh grade teachers are briefly noted. There were significant differences between the teachers in how they planned, organized, and delivered lessons,…

The purpose of this study was to examine the literature to find out if the recommendation by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) that mathematics education should focus on problem-solving in the 1980s was being implemented or had caused any changes in the approach to teaching mathematics in the school curriculum. The study also…

Some research about students with learning disabilities that textbook publishers need to consider as they revise problem-solving materials is briefly cited. (MNS)

Summarizes the interview and observation of mathematics teachers on their classroom teaching of problem solving. Discusses the related issues that teachers should consider as they plan and teach problem solving lessons. (YP)

Some recent research findings with implications for improving mathematics instruction are reviewed in this report. The focus is on two topics: computation, in particular subtraction and estimation, and problem solving. Findings about each are listed, with references for each cited study included. Effective algorithms and strategies used by…

This review of the research on mathematical problem solving is focused on learning disabled students. Categories discussed include characteristics of learning disabled problem solvers, strategies they use, instruction facilitating strategy learning, cognitive strategies, and problem solving strategies. Implications for instruction and research are…

Findings of 79 research reports were analyzed to assess the effects of calculators on student achievement and attitudes. Except in grade four, use of calculators in concert with traditional mathematics instruction improved average students' basic skills with paper and pencil, both in working exercises and in problem solving. (MNS)