Although generic skills have received widespread attention from both policymakers and educationalists, little is known regarding how students acquire these skills, or how they should best be taught. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify what kinds of pedagogical practices are behind the learning of eight particular generic skills. The data…

Research over the past few decades points to ways precalculus and calculus courses can be strengthened to improve student learning in these courses. This research has informed the development of the Algebra and Precalculus Concept Readiness (APCR) and the Calculus Concept Readiness (CCR) assessments. In this article, the authors present three…

In higher education the main subjects build on the knowledge acquired in high school. Research shows that students entering universities have acquired basic knowledge to different extents. It is very important to be able to apply mathematical knowledge directly. Students often treat practical knowledge separately from theoretical knowledge. They…

Basic education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) seems to be characterized by lecture methods of instruction, a lack of interdisciplinary approaches and a disconnection with local community problems. During 2008, a "My Community, Our Earth" (MyCOE) workshop was organized in the MENA region and involved teachers of geography,…

Suggestions for assisting learning disabled (LD) students in decision making are given for determining what information is needed, the correct operation for solving a given problem, and whether an answer is reasonable. (MP)

Asserting that problem solving is the most important mathematical skill that elementary students need to learn, the authors present teaching tips and sample problems geared to the primary and intermediate grades. (SJL)

This exercise shows how to turn the expository treatment of a topic or event into a mystery or puzzling situation that students are asked to solve. Once a puzzle is presented, students may pose only questions that can be answered yes or no. Three sample lessons are included to illustrate the process. (JDH)

This book helps teachers examine how children learn mathematics, develop a positive attitude toward and an interest in mathematics, teach mathematics with problem solving as the primary focus, understand the elements of a comprehensive mathematics curriculum, and establish a classroom environment that supports children's learning of mathematics.…

The focus is on suggestions, with examples, for teaching estimation skills. Estimating can be a very enjoyable as well as a very useful part of mathematics, helping to improve attitudes of pupils toward the subject by providing success. Estimation is shown not to be synonymous with mental arithmetic. (MP)

This article presents results of a meta-analysis of 58 studies of mathematics intervention for elementary students with special needs. Studies in preparatory mathematics, basic skills, and problem solving were reviewed. Duration and method of instruction proved important. Direct instruction and self-instruction were more effective than mediated…

The article suggests abandoning a subject area approach to the rehabilitation of blind persons and proposes a generic approach that would teach transferable problem-solving techniques. Nine possible curriculum components include auditory interpretation of the environment, spatial concepts, tactile identification, and identification of materials.…

This paper reviews 25 studies of intervention research in mathematics with subjects classified as mentally retarded. Research has primarily been conducted in three areas: basic skills and concepts; rule learning and problem solving; and applications, including time, money, and measurement skills. Results are discussed in relation to instructional…

The Apperceptual Interaction Method (AIM), developed by World Education, teaches coping skills to Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language students. AIM develops teaching materials locally in the form of leaflets which students build into books. Special emphasis is placed on solving practical life problems. (NHM)

Environmental education is proposed as a viable means of improving the educational system. The rationale for teaching environmental education is based in part upon White's principles of education for Seventh-day Adventists and upon Noel McInnis's views of what makes education environmental. An overview of environmental education characterizes it…

The easy availability and popularity of newspapers enhance their use in the classroom. The material presented is grouped under: (1) "Comparative Shopping and Estimation Activities"; (2) "Buying and Furnishing Houses"; and (3) "Graphing, Probability, and Statistics." Teachers are encouraged to consider such applications in involving pupils in…