This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critical comments for 13 published reports of research in mathematics education. Topics include: (1) effects of mathematics anxiety on preservice elementary teachers; (2) visualizing rectangular solids; (3) computer simulations and abstract thinking; (4) the association of foldout shapes with…

Provided are the papers presented at a conference which served as an international forum on diagnostic and prescriptive mathematics education. They are: (1) "The Evolution of the Research Council for Diagnostic and Prescriptive Mathematics" by Robert Underhill; (2) "The Interaction of Knowledge and Cognitive Processes in Diagnosis…

This paper describes the EQUALS teacher education program to assist educators in increasing participation of females in mathematics courses. The goal of the program was to increase educators' awareness of the issues surrounding the problem of mathematics avoidance among females, and particularly the future consequences for those students who…

The papers presented in the strand on "Women and Mathematics" at the 1978 Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics form the core of this monograph. Two commentaries synthesizing the presentations and offering additional suggestions for action are also included. The papers consider sex-related differences in…

The Teacher Education and Mathematics (TEAM) Program has been developed to reduce mathematics anxiety and increase mathematics confidence and competence of teacher education students; to increase their perception of mathematics as female domain; and to develop their skills in identifying sex bias in curriculum materials and classroom practices.…

Presents the findings of a study done in Australia which sought to determine which factors influence students to take mathematics courses in the 12th grade. Results suggested that males were more likely to take math than females, and positive attitudes about math in early school years directly influenced participation in math at grade 12. (TW)

In 1995, Prince George's Community College made at-risk student retention an institutional priority. Studies conducted that year found that 70% of new students tested for placement needed remediation in at least one area, and that the pass rate in developmental mathematics was approximately 50%. A two-part intervention program was initiated to…

Described are pentonimoe activities which nurture a nonanxious attitude toward math and science, promote an atmosphere of cooperation, support development of problem-solving skills, and provide spatial-ability skill exercises. These activities can be used by students at all educational levels. (KR)

Describes the Family Math program for elementary school students and their families in Springfield (Massachusetts). Goals include the following: (1) increase minority parent participation; (2) overcome math anxiety; and (3) encourage mathematics participation. (FMW)

A study of 21 experienced non-mathematics teachers reflections on learning two mathematical concepts was conducted to examine ways that students process teacher explanations. Notebook and transcript extracts of the lessons indicated that the participants made a continued effort to assign meaning to the new material, experienced anxiety, and that…

This study examined mathematical self-concept of college students and how it may develop differently between men and women. The study used data from a 1985 Cooperative Institutional Research Programs Survey and a follow-up survey in 1989 which included information from over 27,000 college freshmen and incorporates information acquired directly…

Guidelines concerning the development, supervision, and implementation of seventh and eighth grade mathematics curricula are presented in this document. Section one gives a brief overview of the grades K through six curriculum, providing terminal objectives for grade six. Section two describes traditional tasks in the curriculum for grades seven…

A great number of students, and a particularly high proportion of females, do not study mathematics beyond minimum high school requirements. Research indicates that segregation of mathematics classes may help reduce the incidence of female students dropping out of that subject. In an attempt to redress this situation, A. Y. Jackson Secondary…

This study, conducted with college developmental studies students, explored possible relationships between individualized computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in basic mathematics skills and each of two variables; mathematics knowledge and anxiety toward mathematics. Both experimental (N=5) and control (N=12) groups made significant gains in…

The goals of this study were to trace the development of students' desire to participate in mathematics or to avoid it whenever possible, and to examine closely differences between boys and girls in reasons for enrollment or avoidance. To trace this decision-making process, information was collected from nearly 2,000 students. In the 1976-77…