Improving student learning is the primary goal of every teacher of algebra. Teachers seek strategies to help all students learn important algebra content and develop mathematical practices. The new Institute of Education Sciences[IES] practice guide, "Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students"…

My NASA Data (Chambers et al. 2008) is a teaching tool available on NASA's website that offers microsets of real data in an easily accessible, user-friendly format. In this article, the authors describe a lesson plan based on an activity from My NASA Data, in which students explore parts of the United States where they would want to live if they…

A significant change is coming to American classrooms. As Baby Boomer teachers retire and are replaced by members of Generation Y (born between 1977 and 1995) there is growing evidence that they come from a far different set of experiences, experiences that will shape their lives and their careers (Coggins, 2008). Members of Gen Y share several…

Technical terms such as "meta-analysis," research synthesis," and "effect size" may sound alien to practitioners in the field of education. Due to limited knowledge on meta-analysis among educators, the results of meta-analyses seldom translate from research to classroom practice--even though meta-analyses may provide valuable information on how…

How can teachers learn what they need to know? Every community of educators, regardless of field or specialization, can benefit from being well informed about current research findings. A considerable amount of mathematics education research exists to inform teachers and administrators about teaching and learning mathematics. Research can show…

Research on direct instruction in mathematics is briefly summarized, with key procedures listed. (MNS)

What mental computation and estimation are, what is known from research about each process, and what can help students develop these skills are discussed. (MNS)

Factors which appear to positively affect student motivation are discussed. Sixteen suggestions from research for motivating students are listed, and references are included. (MNS)

Research on the amount of questioning and the types of questions teachers ask are briefly discussed. (MNS)

Research on the characteristics of individuals who have demonstrated a high level of ability in mathematics is presented. The importance of structure in mathematical thinking is stressed and implications for teaching are detailed. (MNS)

Metacognition is described and suggestions for teachers about developing and improving metacognitive skills in performing mathematical tasks are given. (MNS)

Pertinent findings from research on problem solving are presented to describe how primary-level children may gain an understanding of addition and subtraction as well as practice computational skills through one-step problems. Then suggestions for teaching problem solving are given. (MNS)

Research findings on problem solving and ideas for improving problem-solving instruction are presented. What a problem is and the fact that few problems appear in textbooks are noted. What successful problem solvers do is discussed, with the stages of problem solving described, including the point that checking their work may be the most important…

Research on effective teaching is described. Comparisons of expert and novice teachers reveal a profile of expertise in elementary mathematics instruction. How lessons are planned and presented is discussed. (MNS)

Research on metacognition is reviewed. Suggestions for adopting a metacognitive approach in the classroom are discussed. (ML)