In higher education today, mathematics has been marginalized: except to a tiny elite, it is either taught as a tool required for the study of other sciences or it is entirely absent. Yet mathematics has been and is an essential ingredient in our understanding and mastery of the physical world, our economic life, our information technology and,…

Describes methods to evaluate the nature and types of math learning disabilities. Describes techniques, beginning with those geared toward children at precomputational level. Details methods for teaching whole number operations, place value, and part-to-whole relationships. (Author/JDM)

Defines math anxiety and discusses some of its sources. Suggests methods for instructors in postsecondary institutions to help learners become successful in mathematics. (Contains 33 references.) (JOW)

Students have different learning style strengths and preferences in the ways that they take in and process information. Some students tend to focus on facts, data, and algorithms; others are more comfortable with theories and mathematical models. Related to all of this and situated as the focus of this article is the fact that mathematics…

In traditional Chinese medicine, a key maxim is "Zhi Bing Yao Zhi Gen," which literally means, "To cure a disease one must cure the underlying cause." The author was reminded of this principle when she reflects on K-12 math education reform when the US. President Bush's 2006 State of the Union Address prompted yet another wave…

This article describes how to use and valuate "thought bubble pictures" to uncover students' feelings about mathematics. (Contains 6 figures and 2 tables.)

Factor analysis of a version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) and the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) given to (n=173) introductory statistics students found 6 factors: general evaluation anxiety, everyday numerical anxiety, passive observation anxiety, performance anxiety, mathematics test anxiety, and problem-solving anxiety. (39…

Discusses the image the populace has of mathematics. Suggest ways of overcoming the misconception of mathematics. (ASK)

Using the qualitative research method known as folknography, the authors led a research team to the heart of Illinois farm country to ask the question "What are the perceptions of the people of the Midwest concerning math and math education?" A review of the literature includes Canadian and Australian references on the topic, as well as…

A unique early transfer scheme is described for one English secondary school and its eight feeder primary schools whereby all Year 6 children transfer to secondary school four weeks before the end of the summer term. The scheme has many implications. The main focus here comprises gender contrasts in children's perceptions of school life and…

The underrepresentation or absence of blacks in many science and engineering areas is of major concern. A strong mathematics background is essential to success in these fields, and mathematics anxiety is the greatest obstacle facing many black students. Seven common causes of mathematics anxiety among blacks are listed: low expectations and…

This paper presents a meta-analysis study that addresses gender differences in student attitudes toward mathematics for the years 1970 to 1995. A body of 96 primary studies were used including 30,490 students (15,877 female and 14,613 males), 69 journal articles, and 27 ERIC documents in the analysis. The major conclusion of this study is that…

The inhibiting effect of symbols on the learning of mathematics is discussed. (MK)

Developed and tested an audiotaped program for the reduction of math anxiety of (n=20) 9th- and 10th-grade college-bound math students. Those who participated in the treatment had significant reductions in levels of math anxiety. (Author/MKR)

Examines 26 studies on the relationship between anxiety toward mathematics and achievement in mathematics among elementary and secondary students. Indicates that the relationship is consistent across gender groups, grade-level groups, ethnic groups, instruments measuring anxiety, and years of publication. The relationship differs significantly…