This conversation is a slightly modified version of an interview with Dr. Peter Liljedahl, Professor of Mathematics Education. The interview was conducted by "JMETC" Guest Editors on March 8, 2021 and was based on Dr. Liljedahl's December 7, 2020 colloquium presentation "Building Thinking Classrooms: A Case of Results First…

In this article, the authors respond to four 2006 "Mathematics Teaching" articles by Paul Andrews and Judy Sayers comparing conditions for learning mathematics in England and in four other European countries. They reflect on what might be done with English education, and with English mathematics education in particular. They challenge…

This paper proposes that equity--including gender equity--is an integral part of the agenda of the mathematics standards, and the standards provide an important means of achieving equity. Conventional wisdom on the subject is elaborated upon and professional analysis on equal education in mathematics is provided. Issues in learning and teaching…

Discusses whether verbal interaction is recognized as the source from which co-operative groups draw their power to facilitate mathematical learning. Reflects on a group in a mathematics course for prospective secondary teachers focused on problem solving where silence was commonplace. (ASK)

Describes a constructivist, interactive approach for teaching undergraduate mathematics, abstract algebra in particular, using computer constructions programmed in ISETL to induce students' mental constructions and collaborative learning to help students reflect on these constructions. (18 references) (MKR)

Presented is a parent's viewpoint that criticizes assessment methods that diminish appreciation for diverse ways of knowing, discourage discovery and project-based learning, diminish the natural problem-solving aspects of play, and perpetuate the single right answer form of assessment. Assessment that values the child, includes all interested…

This paper suggests that the mathematics teacher needs to do much reading and studying of important trends in improving the mathematics curriculum. Recommendations are made for what teachers need to look for in research studies in mathematics in order to help them recognize what would make for a quality study. Collaborative and individualized…

Described is a elementary science program whose goal is to motivate young people in science and promote the importance of scientific thinking and literacy. The importance of students taking math and science courses in elementary school and the need for involvement of engineers with schools is discussed. (KR)

Discussed are the problems faced by mathematics students who have limited English proficiency. Suggestions for teaching these students in the context of mathematics are provided. Cooperative learning strategies are stressed. (CW)

The paper discusses the process and logistical experiences of developing science, technology and mathematics (SMT) curricula materials at the primary and secondary school levels in Uganda. The author developed the approach as part of the Female Education in Mathematics and Science in Africa (FEMSA) project. FEMSA is an Africa regional project that…

The author's personal experiences in overcoming mathematics anxiety provide insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment to help students develop self-confidence by assessing students' feelings, using cooperative-learning techniques, showing more patience, and having students write about their experiences. (MDH)

Discusses the limitations in the explain-practice and active learning methods of teaching mathematics. Proposes that problem-centered learning is a teaching method that encourages student reflection, and presents examples demonstrating that encouraging reflection results in greater mathematics achievement. (MDH)

A teacher describes how he changed the way his high school students learned mathematics, using cooperative learning methodology and focusing on oral, as opposed to written, examinations and on group effort as opposed to individual effort. As the students' learning changed, the teacher was faced with the new problem of assessing the new type of…

Presents and discusses assumptions for a general-mathematics problem-solving curriculum that incorporate the belief that all students can do algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, that mathematics must be presented in problem situations, and that students should work cooperatively. Worksheets provide exemplary problem-solving activities. (MDH)

The focus of this paper is to present non-traditional or alternate instructional methods in remedial mathematics education at the community college level. However, these methods will apply to credit math courses as well as courses from other disciplines. With the large number of students needing remediation and the United States traditionally…