This manual designed for grade 5 is part of a series for a program to integrate the teaching and learning of mathematical and computer concepts and skills in the elementary school. The manual contains 27 lessons. Each lesson includes information on the topic, suggested grade level, mathematics concepts and skills, objective, prerequisite skills…

This brochure highlights key concepts of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) "Thinking Mathematics" courses. Citing adherence to No Child left Behind Act (NCLB) mandates, these courses are: (1) based on scientific research about how children learn mathematics; (2) designed to increase teacher mathematical knowledge; (3) provide a…

Describes trends related to declining mathematics and science achievement test scores of graduating high school seniors. Reports that scores of students intending to major in college mathematics and science have been stable over time. Discusses implications for education policy, particularly in science in elementary grades. (CS)

Presents five examples of how technology can be integrated into Family Math nights. Activities involve graphing, managing money, developing mental mathematics skills, developing deductive and spatial reasoning, and using tangrams to explore patterns and spatial relationships. Includes a list of software publishers. (MDH)

To investigate the origins and nature of intuitive obstacles affecting the learning of elementary probability theory, 618 Italian elementary and middle school students were interviewed about their methods of solution for several problems dealing with probability. The discussion focuses on four varieties of obstacles to learning prevalent within…

Discusses changes in student attitudes, beliefs, behavior, and the nature and quality of mathematics activity in the classroom resulting from a constructivist-oriented inservice program for teachers (K-12). Although instruction focused more on conceptual understanding, student scores on standardized tests were maintained. Appendix includes…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supported more than 600 inservice teacher training programs between 1984 and 1989 under its Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP). Two studies were undertaken of TEP: the first was a survey of the 600 Principal Investigators (PIs) who had operated inservice teacher enhancement projects and the second, a survey of…

While the emphasis and content of school mathematics differ little between Japan and America, by the time students reach junior high school, performance as measured by international studies differs greatly. This report provides a profile of the attitudes toward, strategies used, and performance on mental computation of Japanese students in grades…

This report describes the efforts of three urban school districts participating in the Urban Schools Science and Mathematics Program (USSAMP) to enhance mathematics and science education in the middle grades and to prepare more African-American, Latino, and female students for career opportunities in technology and science. In Atlanta (Georgia),…

Of the many factors that have been proposed as a rationale for poor mathematics conceptualization by American Indians, cultural factors remain the most popular when explanations are submitted. Additionally, the accepted fault for poor achievement is focused upon mathematics anxiety. A study of American Indian school mathematics achievement and…

This book is for teachers of children in preschool through grade 4. It is designed to help teachers make important decisions about the mathematics curriculum and give them some effective ways to help children attain the mathematical power needed for everyday use and for future careers. Relevant research in each chapter provides a framework and…

This study investigated barriers to calculator use in elementary school classrooms. Teachers (n=348) and principals (n=30) in western New York State were surveyed in 1988 about their feelings and beliefs about calculator use. Analysis of the responses found that teachers and principals believed that calculators should be used in elementary…

This practicum addresses the need to organize a structured problem solving program for fifth and seventh grade students. The improvement of the students' problem solving skills and the enhancement of students' attitudes toward problem solving in mathematics were the main goals. The program implemented consisted of a structured problem solving…

A discussion of mathematics curriculum and teaching methods based on the standards issued by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) is presented. The standards emphasize the connectedness of each of the branches of mathematics and underline the relationship of each branch to…

This guide describes 47 number and numeration learning activities that can be used with elementary school students. These activities have been developed using the mathematics laboratory approach. This publication is designed to serve as a stimulant to encourage teachers to open their minds and employ their imagination in developing further…