Fourth graders (n=204) and seventh graders (n=185) were given a prior-knowledge inventory, a graph test, and reading and achievement tests during four testing sessions. Significant predictors for graph comprehension were identified for both grade four and grade seven students. The results suggest that children should be involved in graphing…

For an entire school year, 24 seventh-grade classes were taught problem-solving strategies; in 14 of these classes the instruction was supplemented by calculators. Mixed findings resulted for both problem solving and calculator use. (MNS)

Some ideas are presented about the ways in which the three domains of metacognition, affective factors, and beliefs influence the cognitive activities of seventh graders as they solve mathematics problems. The research project, initiated in 1981, is first described. Theoretical considerations are then discussed, with sections on affects, beliefs,…

Working in groups of three, seventh-grade students were video taped solving an applied mathematical problem. Audio tapes were made of each group discussing their session. Analysis focused on the first stage of Noddings (1984) model of problem solving for school mathematics: Creation of a representation. Some factors identified as impeding…

This study examined the effects of the locus of three computer assisted instruction (CAI) strategies on the accuracy and efficiency of mathematics rule and application learning of 47 low-achieving seventh grade students in remedial mathematics classes. The instructional task was a mathematics rule lesson concerning divisibility by the numbers two,…

This document contains the appendices to a study of problem-solving instruction. In Appendix A are sample instruments for the teacher problem-solving interview and instructional planning interview, the teacher post-study interview, coversheet for narrative notes and narrative notepad page, rating form for the lesson rating instrument, lesson…

The purpose of this study was to assess children's and adults' quantitative understanding of fractions in a new and potentially definitive way, and to determine whether this understanding was related to fraction computational skill. Thirty-seven seventh graders and 32 adults (college students) participated in the study. A computation task was used…

This study sought to evaluate a measure of dyscalculia to determine its validity and reliability. It also tested use of the instrument with seventh graders and ascertained where errors attributed to dyscalculia were also present in an average sample of seventh graders. Results varied. (MNS)

This study examined the use of heuristic problem-solving strategies in math by seventh-graders under three different conditions: working individually; working in groups; and working as cooperative teams. No significant differences were found for the three conditions over a 5-week experimental period on a problem solving post-text (the Maryland…

This project was designed to: (1) assess 7th-graders' metacognitive beliefs and processes and investigate how they affect problem-solving behaviors; and (2) explore the extent to which these students can be taught to be more strategic and aware of their own problem-solving behaviors. The primary assessment was conducted by analyzing video tapes of…

This study investigated several aspects of a teaching experiment which focused on five seventh grade students' performance on nonroutine number theory problem-solving with a close look at the role of heuristics, concrete models, and the relationships between these variables. In the experiment, students were given a series of lessons on number…

This collection of papers was solicited from a variety of educators in an effort to provide direction to teachers, curriculum developers and textbook publishers on topics in mathematics education that are consistently mentioned in recent national reports and study groups. The consensus of reports sponsored by various professional associations…

This study examined the behaviors and experiences of students who needed assistance while working in peer-directed small groups on mathematics problems and the processes that helped or hindered their learning. Students in 4 seventh-grade classes worked in heterogeneous small groups throughout a 3-week unit on operations with decimal numbers.…

Examines how teachers' conceptions about teaching mathematics influence the manner in which they plan instruction in mathematical problem solving. Results demonstrate that teachers had a limited knowledge of teaching techniques and that teachers' concerns focused more on collection of materials and resources than on how to teach problem solving.…

In this research, 103 Hispanic junior high school students were instructed using the Kumon Mathematical Method. Instruction took place 1 hour per day, 5 days a week in a public school setting. Instruction extended over an eight month period. Student subjects were pretested and posttested on the Mathematics batteries of the California Achievement…