Many factors influence a student's performance in word (or textbook) problem solving in class. Among them is the comprehension process the pupils construct during their attempt to solve the problem. The comprehension process may include some less formal representations, based on pupils' real-world knowledge, which support the construction of a…

Examines 250 sixth-grade students' understanding of arithmetic average by assessing their understanding of the computational algorithm. Results indicate that the majority of the students knew the "add-them-all-up-and-divide" averaging algorithm, but only half of the students were able to correctly apply the algorithm to solve a…

A fun logic game to introduce several classes of sixth-graders to advanced mathematical thinking allows even students who previously fared poorly in math to arrive at the destination with their peers. (Author/MLF)

Shares detailed episodes of children's work in repeatedly partitioning geometric shapes to highlight the process of recursion, which can lead to a deeper understanding of imagination and beauty in children's mathematics. (MKR)

Investigates 55 6th grade students' conceptions of "invention and patent processes". Suggests that students have few or simplistic conceptions of invention and patent processes and prior exposure to invention instruction, or previous experiences with inventing did not appear to have an impact on students' conceptions of invention. (Contains 70…

This paper describes the instructional design activities used to create ThinkAbout, a video series meant to teach fifth and sixth graders skills essential for learning, i.e., inquiring, analyzing, synthesizing, seeking alternatives, and creative problem solving. Two basic tenets or underpinning statements served as guidelines for the development…

Research was viewed as needed to establish a classification scheme for the major areas of difficulties individual students have in solving word problems. The results suggest that inability to read problems is a major obstacle for sixth graders, and mastery of components of problem solving ensures process mastery. (MP)

An operational definition of careless errors was provided and used in an investigation of 50 children attending an international primary school in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Results indicated that mathematically competent and confident children tend to make a greater proportion of errors than other children. (MP)

A new series of instructional television programs designed for fifth and sixth grades, will reinforce basic skills while helping students learn to solve real-world problems. (Author/MLF)

Investigates common problem-solving strategies of sixth-grade students (N=25) identified by their teachers as having superior abilities in problem solving. Audiotaped interview problem-solving sessions recorded behaviors of individual students. Conclusions are that superior problem solvers share common strategies for different types of problems.…

A study involving 174 fifth- and sixth-grade students from two public elementary schools was conducted to determine the effects of Logo programing experience on students' problem solving and spatial relations abilities. Results indicate that LOGO programing contributes to student abilities in the two areas under observation. (TJH)

Comparison of the effectiveness of two computerized environments, Schemes for Problem Analysis (SPA) and Algebraic Proposer (AP), with two sixth-grade classes found that in solving easy word problems, both software systems were equally helpful, but in harder word problems, those students who learned with SPA experienced more success than those who…

Presents a study which examined elementary science textbooks (grades four and six), noting (1) text organization and structure; and (2) the degree of problem solving required in chapter activities (according to Bloom's taxonomy). Reports a need for a more varied use of text structures and the inclusion of activities that utilize higher-level…

This action research describes a program for improving mathematical problem solving skills. The targeted population consisted of first grade students in a transient, middle class community as well as third and sixth grade students from a growing, middle to upper class in Illinois. The concerns of problem solving were documented through teacher…

A study of 46 sixth graders designed to compare the problem-solving performance of pupils using calculators with that of students not using calculators is reported. The argument that calculator availability facilitates problem solving is supported. (MP)