Comparison of effects of two roles (peer monitor or point earner) during an independent mathematics seat work peer intervention on the behavior of three low achieving fifth graders found students demonstrated comparable improvements in appropriate task behavior during both roles with no clear improvements in assignment completion or accuracy rate.…

Presents an episode in which a conflict arose as sixth-grade students attempted to create nonstandard units of measurement. Discusses the conflicting requirements of language and symbol use in mathematical communication in the activity. (MKR)

Describes exploratory data analysis activities using packages of M&M candies and graphing results using object graphs, picture graphs, symbolic graphs, circle graphs, relative-frequency bar graphs, and stacked bar graphs. Also discusses pooling data and assessing reasonableness of results. (MKR)

Presents an activity using base-10 blocks and the TI Explorer calculator to help fifth and sixth graders represent their ages in different numerical bases to appear older or younger than their real age. (MKR)

Presents mathematics activities for grades three through six that focus on concepts of probability and fairness. Includes reproducible student worksheets. (MKR)

Discusses ways to simulate a probability problem of interest to middle school students in which students calculate the average number of packets of trading cards purchased to obtain a complete set of cards. Simulations utilize a spinner, a table of random numbers, and a computer. Includes the BASIC program utilized in the simulation. (MDH)

Mathematics portfolios need not be limited to problem-solving efforts. When California algebra teacher asked students what portfolio contents would show their effort and learning, they suggested daily notes, personal budget and lottery projects, scale drawing, their best and worst tests, weekly problems, daily class notes, and homework. Students…

Describes the use of a graphic organizer with fifth graders to teach problem-solving skills and to teach reading skills helpful for comprehending mathematics materials. Suggests that the strategy was effective with students of all ability levels. (SR)

A study investigated the effect of reward on sixth graders' self-correction inaccuracy and monitored the effect of improved self-correction on mathematics homework achievement. There was a low baseline rate of student self-correction inaccuracy. Offering a reward for improved accuracy caused the rate of inaccuracy to decrease significantly.…

Reports on the findings of a study that examined the writing behavior of eight fifth graders as they composed original mathematics story problems. Reveals strategies and techniques employed by students to accomplish this task. Analyzes student story-problem writing behavior. (HB)

Describes the PACKETS Program for Middle School Mathematics, a research-based performance-assessment program being developed by the Educational Testing Service. The activities, based on real-life problems whose solutions must address a particular client's needs, are designed to promote student learning while allowing the teacher to document this…

Classroom practices believed to affect student motivation were assessed for 24 upper elementary school teachers during a unit on fractions. Reform-minded teachers emphasized effort, mastery, and understanding more, and those who had received training in motivation made more accurate judgments of students' motivation. (SLD)

Describes teaching methods in a computer-based learning environment called WORDMATH, designed to teach word-problem solving to 9-to 12-year-old students in Singapore primary schools. Discusses the results of a formative study of the tutor. (Author/ASK)

Provides examples of student work on a problem which shows that students solve problems in several different ways. Discusses challenges to the teacher that might result from problems such as these. (ASK)

This study examined the effect of delayed reinforcement on mathematics performance by four fourth graders and the effect of programming stimuli common to reinforcement conditions on the maintenance of their performance. Participants exhibited similar levels of responding during intermittent and continuous reinforcement. Responding continued for a…