Describes an 8-week study on sixth-grade students (n=23) to determine the effect of personalizing word problems on students' motivation and ability to write correct mathematical expressions. Data from weekly quizzes and student attitude surveys revealed student motivation and achievement were both enhanced. (MKP)

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards recommend interactive classroom discourse, including student questions and initiatives, rather than teacher-centered recitation structures, such as the traditional initiation-reply-evaluation sequence (IRE). This study explores how student questions and initiatives arise during a…

Describes a variation on a problem from the history of mathematics in which the class is divided into cooperative learning groups of four students each. Each group is challenged to find a procedure for resolving the situation with several solutions emerging. Emphasizes the importance of examining "incorrect" answers and discussing the…

Focuses on mental strategies for computing in the middle grades. Describes what they are and why they are important. Refers to relevant research and presents some teaching ideas for developing these strategies beyond the primary grades. Includes a discussion of the role of mental calculation in everyday life both past and future. Contains 27…

The Diagnostic Testing and Prescription model, developed by the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (MD), was implemented in seven sixth-grade classes at three Brooklyn schools. The selected 165 students were provided an accelerated curriculum (covering arithmetic, prealgebra, and in some cases, algebra) and completed from 1-2.5…

Fourth-grade students (n=45) either with or without learning disabilities and achieving or not achieving at grade level in math were asked to explain strategies used to solve computational problems. Strategies were classified as reproductive or reconstructive (which varied in applicability and efficiency). Significant group differences were found.…

Demonstrates and compares three commercially available statistical software packages, Statistics Workshop, Data Insights, and Data Desk, using a five-component investigation model to analyze a problem about hat sizes. (MKR)

Describes an activity in which fifth-grade students researched the lives of famous mathematicians, wrote autobiographies, and constructed a life line for each. (11 references) (MKR)

Four teacher-originated student activities are featured. A mental health unit incorporates a panel of student "experts" who answer anonymous queries. Tax returns and rockets enhance mathematics units, and students learn to manage their own behavior with the "I Can Manage My Behavior" card. (IAH)

Spreadsheets have become popular tools for exploring mathematical patterns and building conceptual understanding of variables and functional relationships. Presents examples of students' work to illustrate multiple paths of inquiry, generalization, and mathematical reasoning. Supports effective investigation of patterns and functions for students…

This case study evaluates the extent to which seven basal mathematics programs for fourth-grade students adhered to salient instructional design criteria when teaching the mathematics skill of subtraction across zeros. Results indicated that across the 1994-1995 mathematics series, only Silver Burdett & Ginn satisfied most criteria. (Author/CR)

This article describes a set of software programs designed to teach mathematics to all students including students with disabilities. The programs are based on the standards of the National Council of Teachers and Mathematics. The article reports on the effective use of one of these programs with four students with various disabilities. (Contains…

Discusses the place of cooperative learning in education and presents mathematics activities for cooperative groups. Concludes with the benefits of using scored discussions in mathematics classrooms. Contains 16 references. (ASK)

Presents an activity in which students are asked to plan a garden then gather and analyze data on plant height versus available space. Provides historical information on gardening. (ASK)

Presents an activity based on an investigation of airplanes and runways by using a goniometer to measure the angles. Concludes that these kinds of real world explorations provide yet another vehicle for middle school students to explore exciting and meaningful mathematics. (ASK)