This study used a randomized field trial design to evaluate the efficacy of a research-based model for scaling up an intervention focused on preschool mathematics. Although the successes of research-based educational practices have been documented, equally well known is the paucity of successful efforts to bring these practices to scale. The same…

Describes young children's thinking about geometric shapes and discusses implications for teaching and learning. (KHR)

Reviews research involving the LOGO computer programming language and its effect on children's achievement in mathematics, language arts, and problem solving, as well as social-emotional development. Identifies some of the unique characteristics of LOGO that may contribute to student learning. (MDM)

Investigated development of ability to recognize, anticipate, and plan the replay of recorded action sequences. Effects of an educational intervention on this ability were evaluated for two- to five-year olds. Results suggest that representational competence is a teachable concept and that a complex mediating structure allows children to…

This study evaluated the efficacy of a preschool mathematics program based on a comprehensive model of developing research-based software and print curricula. Building Blocks, funded by the National Science Foundation, is a curriculum development project focused on creating research-based, technology-enhanced mathematics materials for pre-K…

Examined the applicability of Sternberg's componential theory of intellectual functioning to young children's thinking and the validity of an observational approach to the measurement of metacomponential processing using elementary school children subjects (N=40). Results indicated that both reliability and construct validity of the observational…

Describes several studies that challenge conventional wisdom regarding the teaching and learning of nonstandard and standard unit, rulers, and measurement sense. Discusses the educational implications of their results. (Author/CCM)

Reviews research on the effects of the educational application of computers on student social-emotional development and details a study which examined the effects of two computer environments--computer assisted instruction and Logo--on six specific components of social-emotional competence (initiation and participation, social problem-solving,…

Provides suggestions for implementing the geometry standards in an elementary curriculum by including all aspects of geometry. (KHR)

Defines spatial structuring as the mental operation of constructing an organization or form for an object/set of objects. Examines in detail students' structuring and enumeration of two-dimensional rectangular arrays of squares. Concludes that many students do not see row-by-column structure. Describes various levels of sophistication in students'…

Desirable characteristics of beginning learning experiences and materials for migrant children in day care or early childhood programs are indicated, and a model for planning, constructing, and implementing helpful learning experiences is presented. Specific activities illustrating the application of the model are additionally described.…

Although geometry and spatial reasoning are important as a way to interpret and reflect on the physical environment and also form the foundation for learning mathematics and other subjects, many early childhood and primary school teachers spend little time instructing their students in these areas. This paper examines how young children learn…

This chapter discusses the way that mathematics curricula are developed in the United States. It suggests that curriculum development in mathematics education makes little progress because it fails to adhere to scientific methodology. Weaknesses in the current development process, how such development can become scientific, how curriculum…

The measurement and description of polygons and paths by elementary school students was studied from a constructivist point of view. A teaching experiment was devised to promote understanding of length based on the hypothesis that as children coordinate their number concept and their one-dimensional/two-dimensional spatial concepts they gain…

Investigates, by conducting individual clinical interviews of 97 children ages 3 to 6, the criteria preschool children use to distinguish members of a class of shapes from other figures, emphasizing identification and descriptions of shapes and reasons for these identifications. Concludes that young children initially form schemas on the basis of…