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For the thirtieth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the National AECT Convention in Anaheim, California. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes. Volume 1 contains several dozen research and development papers dealing with instructional technology and instructional design. (Individual papers contain references, figures, and tables.) [For Volume 2, see ED499896.]

Timely analysis of trends and issues in TVE can help TVE stakeholders cope with rather than oppose them. Educating in the direction of the trend and resolving the important issues can maximize TVE's chance of success. The purpose of this paper was to identify trends and issues in the TVE in 10 Indo-Pacific countries. To achieve this purpose, a cross-country analysis with a word cloud analysis was employed. Consequently, the following nine trends were identified: (1) Accelerated adaptation to emerging technologies and the evolution of industry; (2) Improving or diversifying TVE accessibility and increasing the enrollment rate; (3) Enhancing alignment between the TVE and higher education sectors; (4) Promoting employment-based, work-based, or competency-based learning models; (5) Strengthening TVE educators'/trainers' practical skills, industrial working experience, or qualification requirements; (6) Gearing TVE with lifelong learning; (7) Encouraging employer or industry involvement in TVE; (8) Enhancing quality assurance and autonomy in the TVE system; and (9) Providing more career counseling or career exploration. In addition, the following six issues were identified: (1) TVE does not have the same positive public image as academic education; (2) Insufficiency of qualified TVE trainers/teachers; (3) Extreme challenges to teach hands-on skills online; (4) Weak involvement of social partners; (5) Fragmentation of TVET management; and (6) The continued lack of a well-constructed qualification framework and quality assurance system.

This paper investigates how the selected three East Asian countries--Japan, Korea, and Taiwan-- introduce and develop ideas related to fractions and fraction addition and subtraction compared to the Common Core State Standards of Mathematics and EngageNY. Looking at curricular approaches used across countries can provide a better picture of what is of importance in instruction aimed at developing students' mathematical proficiency. Understanding how the aforementioned three Eastern Asian materials treat fractions will offer both mathematics teachers and teacher educators some concrete images of the visions of the Common Core State Standards of Mathematics and specific ideas on teaching and learning of fractions. [For the complete proceedings, see ED583989.]

The terrible disaster on September 11, 2001 is a poignant event people from all over the globe will discuss for years to come. The impact of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (New York) and the Pentagon (Washington, DC) not only hindered an ailing U.S. economy, but also rocked the global market system. In 2002, there surfaced more terrorist activities throughout the world, thus amplifying the mission education should play on an international scale. Within this global context, this paper reflects on what role education can play in the aftermath of September 11th, through the analyses of key issues, including terrorism, peace education, moral education, curriculum, religion, media literacy, and cultural imperialism. The paper probes this topic from different country perspectives: Kenya reflects on a foreshadowing experience to September 11th when the United States embassy was bombed in Nairobi in 1998; South Korea considers its crucial yet delicate relationship with neighboring North Korea and Japan; and Taiwan examines its constant awareness of the reality of war as was reflected in the military displays from mainland China in 1996. The paper also analyzes these key issues from a U.S. perspective. It concludes by addressing some latent efforts that education can undertake for each country in the aftermath of September 11th. (Contains 1 table, 2 notes, and 51 references.) (Author/BT)

Confucianism has been identified as the major cultural factor that explains the economic success of the Asian Five Dragons (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan). This paper explores the impact of Confucianism on the organizational communication in these nations, based on the four key principles of confucian teaching: the hierarchical relationship, the family system, "Jen" (benevolence), and the emphasis on education. The paper notes that the confucian emphasis on education at all levels has become one of the most important characteristics of Chinese culture, and the tradition is carried over to every Asian nation, especially the Asian Five Dragons. The paper further discusses the influence of these four principles of Confucianism on management behaviors and communication in the organization. The paper also explains the implication of Confucianism's influence on organizational communication. Three tables presenting Confucian principles and their relation to interpersonal communication, management, and organizational communication are included. (Contains 42 references.) (Author/RS)

Based on student survey data from five East Asian countries, the paper contains an analysis of attitudes towards the use of personal connections in politics and towards personal morality among politicians. The first part of the analysis describes the extent and variations of these attitudes, which are viewed as of particular relevance within the East Asian context. The second part of the analysis investigates the relationship of these attitudes with student background and school-related variables such as civic knowledge as well as uncovering the extent to which these attitudes are related to indicators of future civic engagement among students. (Contains 1 figure and 7 tables.)

This paper examines the experience of development in the advanced developing countries in Asia from a gender perspective and draws some lessons for women in development policy in middle income countries in the Asian and Near East regions. The nature of the paper is exploratory, asking many questions on which further research and information are needed. The policy recommendations also are tentative. The data analysis is primarily from the four counties of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. All are in the middle or upper national income level category, in world terms. Some data also are presented for Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt, and Jordan to indicate certain inter-country differences in women's economic status. The pattern of rapid economic growth in the four most advanced developing countries (4MADC) has been linked causally to a greater extent than usually is acknowledged with women's economic participation. These economies studied have a very high proportion of women in the formal labor force in general and in the industrial work force in particular. Work force participation by women in these countries reflects the export intensity of production in the industrial sector, and the fact that worldwide, expansion of export manufacturing by developing countries has demanded and created a female workforce. This paper includes an executive summary, seven chapters, and a bibliography. (EH)

This study was requested by the Senate International Affairs Committee. The research questions included: (1) What factors affect the cumulative GPA (CGPA) of International students at TRU?; (2) What factors affect the retention of International students at TRU?; and (3) Are Student Success Courses among the significant factors for GPA and retention? The study included 6,051 International students who were enrolled at TRU from 1999/00 to 2009/10 (117 of whom took Student Success Courses). Participation in the Student Success Courses was not found to have a significant effect on either cumulative GPA or retention. The most significant factor affecting cumulative GPA was first term GPA; the most significant factor affecting student retention was cumulative GPA. Appended are: (1) Research Plan; and (2) Variables Included in the Analysis. (Contains 10 tables, 4 figures and 7 footnotes.) [This paper was prepared for the Senate International Affairs Committee.]

This paper examines the "business" of language programs. In particular, it focuses on the economic impact of English as a Second language programs physically located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada which draw and serve foreign students. The impact such programs have on the wider community will also be explored. A bibliography is included. (Contains 3 tables.)

East Asia is the region which has experienced unprecedented growth in the past few decades. This growth resulted in the increase in education opportunities and the empowerment of women. Modernization and globalization provided opportunities for many women in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. Modern Asian women can obtain higher education and gain status in their careers; they are at the crossroads between tradition and modernity. This paper provides information about the women's movements in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Readers obtain an understanding of globalization and its impact on women's lives in these societies. It concludes that the status of women has improved dramatically over the last 30 years; but there are still obstacles that prevent women from achieving equity in political participation, equal pay, and equal share of household responsibilities. Contains a 13-item bibliography. (Author/BT)

This paper outlines the market developments, governmental promotion policies, and efforts by private industries for online database services in Japan since the late 1970s. The combination of these efforts over the years has resulted in an online database service market of US$20 billion annually, of which approximately one third is Western online services. Growth in the conventional database service market leveled off in the early 1990s, partly because of the general economic stagnation and partly because of rapid and profound change in the environment for information usage. New opportunities have been provided by the changes in computer usage as a result of corporate downsizing trends, rapid progress in multimedia and digital technology, wide-spread information networks--especially the Internet, and a steadily emerging personal and home market. Experimental programs for digital libraries have already started. The idea of end-user searches of digital libraries through a network is exciting but threatening for everyone in the online services industry. In addition to Japan, online database producers and vendors are now emerging in newly industrializing countries and areas in Asia such as Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. The market has started to grow, and within a decade the fourth largest market for online services will be in Asia, after the American, European, and Japanese markets. (Author/SWC)

We welcome you to the International Conference on Education and New Developments 2014, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 of June, 2014. Education, as an important right in our contemporary world, began since we exist. Knowledge and skills were passed by adults to the young, and cultures began to extend their experiences through various forms. Schools and academies were formed since the most ancient civilizations. Although between innumerous difficulties, these experiences were capable to teach us how to develop better formative effects and to turn education a generalized and global right. Formal education and other educational practices are used by all of us in the constitution of the human being, in the way one thinks, feels and acts. One of the most important contributions resides in what and how we learn through the improvement of educational processes, both in formal and informal settings. This international conference seeks to provide explore the processes, actions, challenges and outcomes of learning, teaching and human development. Our goal is to offer a worldwide connection between teachers, students, researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, interested in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues We take pride in having been able to connect and bring together academics, scholars, practitioners and others interested in a field that is fertile in new perspectives, ideas and knowledge. We counted on an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, which can supplement our view of the human essence and behavior, showing the impact of their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. This is, certainly, one of the reasons we have many nationalities and cultures represented, inspiring multi-disciplinary collaborative links, fomenting intellectual encounter and development. END 2014 received over more 292 submissions, from 40 different countries, reviewed by a double-blind process. Submissions were prepared to take form of Oral Presentations, Posters, Virtual Presentations and Workshops. It were accepted for presentation in the conference, 83 submissions (28% acceptance rate). The conference also includes a keynote presentation from the distinguished Professor Hanna David, Tel Aviv University (Emerita), Israel, to whom we express our most gratitude. This volume is composed by the proceedings of the International Conference on Education and New Developments (END 2014), organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (W.I.A.R.S.) and co-sponsored by the respected partners we reference in the dedicated page. This conference addressed different categories inside the Education area and papers are expected to fit broadly into one of the named themes and sub-themes. To develop the conference program we have chosen four main broad-ranging categories, which also covers different interest areas: (1) In TEACHERS AND STUDENTS: Teachers and Staff training and education; Educational quality and standards; Curriculum and Pedagogy; Vocational education and Counseling; Ubiquitous and lifelong learning; Training programs and professional guidance; Teaching and learning relationship; Student affairs (learning, experiences and diversity; Extracurricular activities; Assessment and measurements in Education. (2) In PROJECTS AND TRENDS: Pedagogic innovations; Challenges and transformations in Education; Technology in teaching and learning; Distance Education and eLearning; Global and sustainable developments for Education; New learning and teaching models; Multicultural and (inter)cultural communications; Inclusive and Special Education; Rural and indigenous Education; Educational projects. (3) In TEACHING AND LEARNING: Educational foundations; Research and development methodologies; Early childhood and Primary Education; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Science and technology Education; Literacy, languages and Linguistics (TESL/TEFL); Health Education; Religious Education; Sports Education. (4) In ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES: Educational policy and leadership; Human Resources development; Educational environment; Business, Administration, and Management in Education; Economics in Education; Institutional accreditations and rankings; International Education and Exchange programs; Equity, social justice and social change; Ethics and values; Organizational learning and change. The proceedings contain the results of the research and developments conducted by authors who focused on what they are passionate about: to promote growth in research methods intimately related to teaching, learning and applications in Education nowadays. It includes an extensive variety of contributors and presenters, who will extend our view in exploring and giving their contribution in educational issues, by sharing with us their different personal, academic and cultural experiences. (Individual papers contain references.)

The Commission on International Adult Education (CIAE) of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provides a forum for the discussion of international issues related to adult education in general, as well as adult education in various countries around the globe. The following purposes summarize the work of the Commission: (1) To develop linkages with adult education associations in other countries; (2) To encourage exchanges between AAACE and associations from other countries; (3) To invite conference participation and presentations by interested adult educators around the world; and (4) To discuss how adult educators from AAACE and other nations may cooperate on projects of mutual interest and benefit to those served. The Commission holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the AAACE conference. The following papers are presented at the 2012 CIAE Pre-Conference: (1) Religious Rites and Celebrations As Frameworks for Lifelong Learning in Traditional Africa (Mejai B.M. Avoseh); (2) A Confucian Model for Scholarly Development (Elizabeth Anne Erichsen and Qi Sun); (3) The Use of Learning the Contract Within a University Setting in an Italian University (Monica Fedeli, Ettore Felisatti, and Mario Giampaolo); (4) The Cross-Culture Readiness Exposure Scale (CRES) (Emmanuel Jean Francois); (5) International History and Philosophy of Andragogy: Abbreviated for 2012 with Newer Perspective and Insights (John A. Henschke); (6) Exploring Cross-Cultural Learning Styles Differences of African and American Adult Learners (Alex Kumi-Yeboah and Waynne James); (7) An Educational Preparatory Program for Active Aging: Preliminary Results Based on Proactive Coping Theory (Ya-Hui Lee, Hui-Chuan Wei, Yu Fen Hsiao, Liang-Yi Chang, and Chen-Yi Yu); (8) Global Work Competencies and the Identification and Selection of Candidates for Expatriate Assignments (Arthur Ray McCrory); (9) Adult Education/Learning in South Africa: Promises and Challenges (Matata Johannes Mokoele); (10) Cross-Cultural Use of Surveys and Instruments in International Research: Lessons Learned From A Study in Turkey and the United States (Claudette M. Peterson, Anita Welch, Mustafa Cakir, and Chris M. Ray); (11) English Only? English-Only Policies, Multilingual Education and its Ramifications on Global Workforce Productivity (Orlando A. Pizana and Alex Kumi-Yeboah); (12) Reflections On A Research Experience at an International Treasure: The Alexander N. Charters Library of Resources for Educators of Adults (Lori Risley); (13) Bridging Adult Education Between East and West: Critical Reflection and Examination of Western Perspectives on Eastern Reality (Qi Sun and Elizabeth Anne Erichsen); (14) The Challenges and Prospects of Adult Education Programmes in Nigerian Universities (Nneka A. Umezulike); (15) The Perceived Impact of Women for Women International (WFWI) Non-formal Learning Programmes for Rural Women in Nigeria (Loretta C. Ukwuaba and Nneka A. Umezulike); (16) Perceptions of Needed Attitudinal Competencies Compared by Geographical Region (Helena Wallenberg-Lerner and Waynne B. James); (17) Identifying Intercultural Sensitivity Competencies Through Focus Group Research (Melanie L. Wicinski and Arthur Ray McCrory); and (18) Measuring Intercultural Sensitivity at the Army Medical Department Center and School: The IRB Process--Challenges and Lessons Learned (Roberta E. Worsham and Melanie L. Wicinski). Individual papers contain figures, tables, references and footnotes.

The Research Institute for Higher Education (RIHE) at Hiroshima University established a program of research on the Changing Academic Profession (CAP) in 2005. The first conference of this new project was held in Hiroshima in February 2011. This conference was organized by the Research Institute for Higher Education, Hiroshima University, Japan in cooperation with Hijiyama University, Japan. The following papers are presented at the conference: (1) Universities Reforms in Japan (Tsuyoshi Enomoto); (2) International Trends in the Academic Profession from a Japanese Perspective (Akira Arimoto); (3) The Rise of Asian Research Universities: Focus on the Context (William K. Cummings); (4) Is There an Asian Academic Profession? Common and Diverse Features in Comparative Perspective (Ester Ava Hohle and Ulrich Teichler); (5) The Same Term but Different Connotations: Cultural and Historical Perspectives on Studying the Academic Profession in Asia (Fengqiao Yan); (6) The Academic Profession in East Asia: Change and Realities (Futao Huang); (7) The Academic Profession in Japan: Work, Careers and Scholarship (Hideto Fukudome); (8) The Academic Profession in Malaysia 2010: A Proposed Study (Vincent Pang, Morshidi Sirat, Aida Suraya Md Yunus, Ambigapathy Pandian, Fauziah Mohd. Taib; Munir Shuib, Norzaini Azman, Koo Yew Lie, Shukran Abdul Rahman, Rosni Bakar, Lay Yooh Fah, Ramayah Thurasamy, Worran Kabul, Roszehan Md. Idrus, Lai Yew Meng, and Mohd. Rahimie Abd. Rahim); (9) The Korean Academic Profession Revisited: Academic Activity, Performance and Governance (Jung Cheol Shin); (10) The Internationalization of Universities in South Korea: Networking Strategies and Research Performance (Soo Jeung Lee and Yangson Kim); (11) The Changing Taiwanese Academic Profession: From Regulation to Supervision (Hsiou-Hsia Tai and Chia-Yu Chen); (12) Connect ASEAN: Promoting Regional Integration in Higher Education in Southeast Asia (Supachai Yavaprabhas); (13) The U.S. as a Prototype for an Asian Academic Profession: What Does That Prototype Really Look Like? (Martin J. Finkelstein); and (14) Changes in and Issues of Academic Profession in Asia (Futao Huang). Appended are: (1) Conference Program; and (2) List of Participants. Individual papers contain figures, tables, references and footnotes.

The 2010 International Pre-Conference of the Commission on International Adult Education (CIAE), American Association for Adult & Continuing (AAACE), was successfully conducted from October 24-26, at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, Clearwater Beach, Florida. This publication includes the papers presented during the conference. These are: (1) Challenges for Community Workers' Training and Professional Development: The Nigerian Case (Joshua Olusola Akande); (2) Adult Education and Moral Powers of Women in Indigenous Africa (Mejai B. M. Avoseh); (3) World Affairs Outreach Education: One Piece of the Knowledge Construction Process (Susan Yelich Biniecki); (4) Planning Programs for the Elderly: Examples from the Active Aging Centers (Guan Liang Chen, Peggy Hui-Chuan Wei, and Chin-Yun Huang); (5) Reflexive Design for International Cross-Cultural/Adult and Higher Education: The Case of Short-Term Study Abroad (Joellen E. Coryell); (6) Development of the Motivation for Internationalizing Curriculum Scale (MICS) (Emmanuel Jean Francois); (7) A Capsule of the History and Philosophy of Andragogy to 2010 (John A. Henschke); (8) Toward an Active Aging Society: Value Reconstruction and Performance Evaluation of Professional Workers (Meng-Ching Hu, Chia-Ming Yen, and Chun-Huang Chan); (9) Korean Lifelong Education Research: A Content and Authorship Analysis (Jihyun Kim); (10) Factors that Promote Transformative Learning Experiences Among International Adult Learners from Sub-Saharan Africa (Alex Kumi-Yeboah); (11) A Leadership Development Program for Emerging Social Innovators (Penina Mungania Lam); (12) The Middle and Old-Aged People's Learning Participation in Taiwan: The Results of a National Household Survey (Iris Ai-Tzu Li, Ming-Lieh Wu and Horng-Ji Lai); (13) Transcending the Local: Identifying Effective Technical Executives' Leadership Behaviors and Attributes for the Global Knowledge Era (Linda E. Morris); (14) Who Can Help Us? Challenges of Rural Women Non-Farm Entrepreneurs in Nigeria (Fayomi Abimbola Olugbenga); (15) The Brown Concrete Ceiling: A Literature Review on the Status of Latina Leadership in US Universities and Community Colleges (Tammy L. Rivera); (16) Jamaica's Bleaching Story: Learning to Negotiate Social Capital as an Adult (Petra A. Robinson and Mary V. Alfred); (17) Socio-Cultural Practices and Non-Formal Training of Young Women Towards Entrepreneurship Among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria (Simeon-Fayomi Bolanle Clara); and (18) What They Worried About? Voices from Adults at Their Later Life (Peggy Hui-Chuan Wei and Chin-Yun Huang). Individual papers contain tables, figures, footnotes, references and appendices.

The first volume of the 31st annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents plenary lectures; research forums; discussion groups; working sessions; short oral communications; and posters from the meeting. Plenary lecture papers include: (1) On Humanistic Mathematics Education: A Personal Coming of Age? (Chris Breen); (2) Certainty, Explanation and Creativity in Mathematics (Michael Otte); (3) I Need the Teacher to Tell Me If I Am Right or Wrong (Anna Sierpinska); and (4) School Mathematics and Cultivation of Mind (Jeong-Ho Woo). Plenary panel papers include: (1) Introduction to the PME Plenary Panel, "School Mathematics for Humanity Education" (Koeno Gravemeijer); (2) Humanizing the Theoretical and the Practical for Mathematics Education (Cristina Frade); (3) Making Mathematics More Mundane--A Semiotic Approach (Willibald Dorfler); (4) Mathematics: A Human Potential (Martin A. Simon); and (4) Need for Humanising Mathematics Education (Masataka Koyama). The first research forum, Learning through Teaching: Development of Teachers' Knowledge in Practice (RF01) includes: (1) A View on the Teachers' Opportunities to Learn Mathematics through Teaching (Roza Leikin and Rina Zazkis); (2) Integrating Virtual and Face-to-Face Practice: A Model for Continuing Teacher Education (Marcelo C. Borba); (3) Teachers' Learning Reified: The Professional Growth of Inservice Teachers through Numeracy Task Design (Peter Liljedahl); (4) Constraints on What Teachers Can Learn from their Practice: Teachers' Assimilatory Schemes (Martin A. Simon); and (5) What and How Might Teachers Learn via Teaching: Contributions to Closing an Unspoken Gap (Ron Tzur). The second research forum, Researching Change in Early Career Teachers (RF02), includes: (1) Introduction (Peter Sullivan); (2) Researching Relief of Mathematics Anxiety among Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers (Markku S. Hannula, Peter Liljedahl, Raimo Kaasila, and Bettina Rosken);(3) Teachers' Learning from Learning Studies: An Example of Teaching and Learning Fractions in Primary Four (Lo Mun Ling and Ulla Runesson); (4) Tracking Teachers' Learning in Professional Development Centered on Classroom Artifacts (Lynn T. Goldsmith and Nanette Seago); (5) Teacher Change in the Context of Addressing Students' Special Needs in Mathematics (Orit Zaslavsky and Liora Linchevski); (6) Researching Change in Prospective and Beginning Teachers (Laurinda Brown and Alf Coles); and (7) Summary and Conclusions (Markku S. Hannula). Information relating to discussion groups, working sessions, short oral communications, and poster presentations conclude this volume of the 31st proceedings. (Individual papers contain references.)

This volume of the 30th annual proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education conference presents: plenary panel papers; research forum papers; short oral communication papers; and poster presentation papers from the meeting. Information relating to discussion groups and working sessions is also provided. Plenary lecture papers include: (1) Mathematics, didactical engineering and observation (G. Brousseau); (2) A Semiotic View of the Role of Imagery and Inscriptions in Mathematics Teaching and Learning (N. Presmeg); (3) School Mathematics as a Developmental Activity (S. Stech); and (4) PME 1 to 30--Summing Up And Looking Ahead (P. Tsamir and D. Tirosh). Plenary panel papers include: (1) The Necessity of Collaborations between Mathematicians and Mathematics Educators (Z. Gooya); (2) Generic versus Subject Specific Pedagogy (S. Groves); (3) How Can Schools Put Mathematics in Their Centre? (K. Krainer); and (4) Mathematics in the Centre (T. Rojano). The first research forum (RF01) includes: (1) Seeing More and Differently (L. Brown and A. Coles); (2) Joint Reflection as a Way to Cooperation between Researchers and Teachers (A. Hospesova, J. Machackova, and M. Ticha); (3) Opening the Space of Possibilities (A. Lebethe, N. Eddy, and K. Bennie); (4) Diverse Roles, Shared Responsibility (J. Novotna and A. Pelantova); (5) Research with Teachers (L. Poirier); (6) Developing a Voice (G. Rosen); and (7) Learning about Mathematics and about Mathematics Learning through and in Collaboration (V. Zack and D. Reid). The second research forum (RF02) includes: Exemplification in Mathematics Education (L. Bills, T. Dreyfus, J. Mason, P. Tsamir, A. Watson, and O. Zaslavsky). The third research forum (RF03) includes: (1) Conceptual Change in Mathematics Learning (D. Tirosh and P. Tsamir); (2) Aspects of Students' Understanding of Rational Numbers (X. Vamvakoussi and S. Vosniadou); (3) Conceptual Change in the Number Concept (K. Merenluoto and E. Lehtinen); (4) The Linear Imperative (W. Van Dooren, D. De Bock, and L. Verschaffel); (5) Conceptual Change in Advanced Mathematical Thinking (I. Biza and T. Zachariades); (6) Students' Interpretation of the Use of Literal Symbols in Algebra (K. P. Christou and S. Vosniadou); (7) The Dilemma of Mathematical Intuition in Learning (L. B. Resnick); and (8) Designing for Conceptual Change (B. Greer). Short oral communications papers include: (1) The Mathematics Teachers' Conceptions about the Possible Uses of Learning Objects from RIVED-Brazil Project (C. A. A. P. Abar and L. S. de Assis); (2) On the Way to Understanding Integration (S. Abdul-Rahman); (3) The Impact of Graphic-Calculator Use on Bedouin Students' Learning Functions (M. Abu-Naja and M. Amit); (4) How to Put It All Together? (M. Alagic); (5) Reading Mathematics Textbook as a Storybook (S. E. Anku); (6) Naming and Referring to Quantities When Solving Word Problems in a Spreadsheet Environment (D. Arnau and L. Puig); (7) If It Divides by 4, It Must Divide by 8 (J. Back); (8) Universal and Existential Mathematical Statements (R. Barkai, T. Dreyfus, D. Tirosh, and P. Tsamir); (9) Situtations, Linear Functions and the "Real World" (G. Benke); (10) The Relationship between High School Mathematics and Career Choices among High Achieving Young Women (S. B. Berenson, J. J. Michael, and M. Vouk); (11) Students' Understanding of Ambiguity in Symbols (K. P. Blair); (12) Reform-Oriented Teaching Practices and the Influence of School Context (J. Bobis and J. Anderson); (13) Approaching Linear (In)Dependence with Example-Generation (M. Bogomolny); (14) Metaphors in Teacher's Discourse (J. Bolite Frant, V. Font, and J. Acevedo); (15) Designing Instructional Programs that Facilitate Increased Reflection (J. Bowers and S. Nickerson); (16) Conformism in Teaching Mathematics (A. Braverman, P. Samovol, and M. Applebaum); (17) Constructing Multiplication (J. Brocardo, L. Serrazina, and I. Rocha); (18) The Trigonometric Connection (S. A. Brown); (19) Student Beliefs and Attitudes from Poetry Writing in Statistics (M. Bulmer, B. Lea, and K. Rolka); (20) The Teaching of Proof in Textbooks (R. Cabassut); (21) Classroom: A Learning Context for Teachers (A. P. Canavarro); (22) An Investigation of Differences in Performance in Mathematics between Parallel Students and Normal Entry Students at the Polytechnic--University of Malawi (P. C. Chamdimba); (23) A Study on Eliciting the Formula for the Area of Triangle from Students' Structuring of Tile Arrays and Figure Reconstructions (J.-H. Chen and S.-K. S. Leung); (24) Decision Making at Uncertainty (E. Chernoff and R. Zazkis); (25) A Study on Implementating Inquiry-Based Teaching to Facilitate Secondary School Students' Learning in the Retaking Mathematics Course (E.-T. Chin, C.-Y. Chen, C.-Y. Liu, and C.-P. Lin); (26) Girls Excelled Boys in Learning Geometric Transformation Using Tessellations (S. Choi-Koh and H. Ko); (27) A National Survey of Young Children's Understanding of Basic Time Concepts (J. Chung and C.-C. Yang); (28) An Exploration of the Mathematical Literacy of Irish Student Primary School Teachers (D. Corcoran); (29) Mathematics Teachers' Knowledge and Practice (J. P. da Ponte and O. Chapman); (30) Psychological Aspects of Students Thinking at the Stage of Graphical Representation in the Process of Investigation of Functions (M. Dagan); (31) Formative Feedback and Mindful Teaching of Undergraduate Mathematics (G. E. Davis and M. A. McGowen); (32) Mathematics Education in the South and Western Pacific (A. J. Dawson); (33) Teacher Meditation of Technology-Supported Graphing Activity (R. Deaney, S. Hennessy, and K. Ruthven); (34) A Categorization of Difficulties Encountered by 13-to-15-Year-Olds while Selecting Inverse Algebraic Operation (A. Demby); (35) "It's Infinity" (T. Dooley); (36) What Is to Be Known? (J.-P. Drouhard); (37) "The Most Normal Path" (M. Droujkova, S. Berenson, G. Mojica, K. Slaten, and H. Wilson); (38) Exploratory Mathematics Talk in Friendship Groups (J.-A. Edwards); (39) Conceptual Basis of Proof (L. D. Edwards); (40) In-Service Education under Market Conditions (L. R. Ejersbo); (41) Statements of Problems and Students' Choices between Linear or Non-Linear Models (C. Esteley, M. Villarreal, and H. Alagia); (42) Equity and Quality Mathematics Education (G. Frempong); (43) Is Sensitivity for the Complexity of Mathematics Teaching Measurable? (T. Fritzlar); (44) By Using the Outcome-Based Approach to Strengthen Students' Learning Capabilities (A. T.-F. Fung and K.-M. Leung); (45) Patterns of Students' Interactions while Doing Geometric Proofs in Groups (F. L. Gallos); (46) Dialogue: A Tool for Creating Mathematical Proof (S. Gholamazad); (47) Beginning Teachers in Mathematical Inquiry (B. Graves and C. Suurtamm); (48) Learning Trajectory of Fraction in Elementary Education Mathematics (S. Hadi); (49) Elementary Education Students' Affect towards and Advancement in Mathematics (M. S. Hannula, R. Kaasila, E. Pehkonen, and A. Laine); (50) Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers (B. Hartter and J. Olson); (51) Effectiveness of Video-Case Based Elementary Mathematics Teacher Training (R. Huang and J. Bao); (52) Improving Students' Level of Geometrical Thinking through Teacher's Regulating Roles (M. Imprasitha); (53) What's the Connection between Ears and Dice (I. Jan and M. Amit); (54) Tactile Perception in 3D Geometry (D. Jirotkova and G. Littler); (55) High Achieving Students' Conceptions of Limits (K. Juter); (56) Reading Visual Representations of Data with Kindergarten Children (S. Kafoussi); (57) Students' Use of Gestures to Support Mathematical Understandings in Geometry (L. H. Kahn); (58) Mathematical Abilities for Developing Understanding of Formal Proof (E. Kapetanas and T. Zachariades); (59) An Analysis of Connections between Errors and Prior Knowledge in Decimal Calculation (J. Kim, J. Pang, and K. Song); (60) Insights into Primary Teachers' Interpretations of Students' Written Answers in Mathematics (A. Klothou and H. Sakonidis); (61) The Role of Proof (S. Kmetic); (62) A Comparison of Mathematically Gifted and Non-Gifted Students in Intuitively Based, Probabilistic Misconception (E. S. Ko, B. H. Choi, and E. H. Lee); (63) Exploring Teaching and Learning of Letters in Algebra (A. Kullberg and U. Runesson); (64) Teaching Mathematics to Indigenous Students and Pupils from Multicultural Backgrounds (E. K. Lam); (65) Limitations of a Partitive Fraction Scheme in Developing Multiplicative Reasoning about Fractions (H. S. Lee); (66) Teachers' Reflection and Self-Assessment through the Use of a Videotape of Their Own Mathematics Instruction (S. Lee and J. Pang); (67) A Case Study on the Introducing Methods of the Irrational Numbers Based on the Freudenthal's Mathematising Instruction (Y. R. Lee); (68) A Case Study of an Elementary School Teacher's Professional Development on Mathematics Teaching in Context (Y.-C. Leu, C.-H. Hsu, and W.-L. Huang); (69) "But after All, We'll Need This for School" (N. Leufer and S. Prediger); (70) Developing Primary Students' Cognitive Skills through Interactive Mathematics Lessons (K.-M. Leung); (71) A Study on the Effects of Multiple Representation Curriculum on Fraction Number Learning Schemes for Fourth Grade Children (S.-K. S. Leung and I.-J. Wang); (72) Teachers' Knowledge about Definitions (E. Levenson and T. Dreyfus); (73) Supporting Teachers on Maintaining High-Level Instructional Tasks in Classroom by Using Research-Based Cases (P.-J. Lin); (74) Towards an Anti-Essentialist View of Technology in Mathematics Education (B. Lins and C. H. de Jesus Costa); (75) Comparing Teaching of Common Mathematical Tasks in Different Countries (G. Littler and M. Tzekaki); (76) New Approach of Neurocognition in Mathematical Education Research and further Implications (C. Liu, F.-L. Lin, and C.-N. Dai); (77) Reasoning and Generalizing about Functional Relationship in a Grade 2 Classroom (S. London McNab); (78) The MathematicalPerformances in Solving the Norming Problem (H.-L. Ma); (79) The Education of Reasoning (E. Macmillan); (80) The Effect of Rephrasing Word Problems on the Achievements of Arab Students in Mathematics (A. Mahajne and M. Amit); (81) An Approach to Eary Algebra Using Technology as an Enhancement (C. A. Maher and G. Gjone); (82) Teachers' Beliefs and Competencies of Creative Mathematical Activities (B. Maj); (83) Manipulative Representation (N. Mark-Zigdon and D. Tirosh); (84) Language, Power and Mathematics Learning (M. Mathye and M. Setati); (85) Children Learning as Participation in Web-Based Communities of Practice (J. F. Matos and M. Santos); (86) Recognizing Mathematical Competences (J. F. Matos, M. Santos, and M. Mesquita); (87) Mathematics Teachers' Preparation Program (A. S. Md. Yunus, R. Hamzah, H. Ismail, S. K. S. Hussain, and M. R. Ismail); (88) Mathematics Register Acquisition (T. Meaney); (89) Development of Spatial Abilities (H. Meissner); (90) An Encounter between Queer Theory and Mathematics Education (H. Mendick); (91) Establishing a Mathematics Learning Community in the Study of Mathematics for Teaching (J. Mgombelo and C. Buteau); (92) Talking Mathematics in a Second Language (H. Miranda); (93) Objects in Motion (I. Miranda, L. Radford, and J. G. Hernandez); (94) Researching the Appearance of Mathematical Argumentation (C. Misailidou); (95) Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the Teaching of Quadrilaterals (I. A. C. Mok and M. Y. H. Park); (96) Out-of-School Experts in Mathematics Classes (J. Monaghan); (97) A Sequel to Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 2003, in Botswana (S. M. Montsho); (98) The Pattern and Structure Mathematics Awareness Project (PASMAP) (J. Mulligan and M. Mitchelmore); (99) Primary Pupils' Mathematics Achievement (C. Opolot-Okurut); (100) Images of Functions Defined in Pieces (R. Ovodenko and P. Tsamir); (101) A Comparative Analysis of Elementary Mathematics Textbooks of Korea and Singapore (J. Pang and H. Hwang); (102) Substitutions on Algebraic Statements, Based on Associations in Natural Reasoning (M. Panizza); (103) Virtual Learning Environments and Primary Teachers' Professional Development (M. C. Penalva-Martinez and C. Rey-Mas); (104) Cypriot Preservice Primary School Teachers' Subject-Matter Knowledge of Mathematics (M. Petrou); (105) Phenomenological Mathematics Teaching (P. Portaankorva-Koivisto); (106) Using the Debate to Educate Future Teachers of Mathematics (J. Proulx); (107) Surprise on the Way from Change of Length to Change of Area (N. Prusak, N. Hada, and R. Hershkowitz); (108) Discovering of Regularity (by 11-Years-Old Children) (M. Pytlak); (109) Using Manipulatives to Teach Students in College Developmental Math Classes about Fractions (S. L. Reynolds and E. B. Uptegrove); (110) Sixth Graders' Ability to Generalize Patterns in Algebra (F. Rivera and J. Rossi Becker); (111) Variety of Representational Environments in Early Geometry (F. Roubicek); (112) From Research on Using Problems Related to Functional Equations as Multifunctional Tools for Revealing Subject Mater Knowledge of Functions in Future Mathematics Teachers (M. Sajka); (113) Expert and Novice Primary Teachers' Intervening in Students' Mathematical Activity (H. Sakonidis, M. Kaldrimidou, and M. Tzekaki); (114) Examining Teachers' Reflections about Mathematics Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (V. M. Santos-Wagner); (115) Analyzing Students' Thought Process in Revealing Correspondence between Formulas and Geometrical Objects (P. Satianov and M. Dagan); (116) "No Need to Explain, We Had the Same" (K. Schreiber); (117) Characteristics of Malaysian Students' Understanding about Functions (S. A. Sh. Abdullah); (118) Mathematical Induction via Conceptual Representation (A. Sharif-Rasslan); (119) Exploring the Meanings of Events in Mathematics Classroom from Learners' Perspective (Y. Shimizu); (120) A Study on the Law of Large Numbers Instruction through Computer Simulation (B.-M. Shin and K.-H. Lee); (121) Mathematics Learning Quality for Gifted Junior High School Students in Taiwan (H.-Y. Shy, C.-H. Liang, and W.-M. Liang); (122) A Preservice Teacher's Growth in Subject Matter Knowledge while Planning a Trigonometry Lesson (K. M. Slaten); (123) Comparing Numbers: Counting-Based and Unit-Based Approaches (H. Slovin); (124) Mathematically Gifted 6th Grade Korean Students' Proof Level for a Geometric Problem (S Song, Y. Chong, J. Yim, and H. Chang); (125) Probability Reasoning Level of Gifted Students in Mathematics (S. Song, K. Lee, G. Na, and D. Han); (126) Analysis of Mathematically Gifted 5th and 6th Grade Students' Process of Solving "Straight Line Peg Puzzle" (S. Song, J. Yim, Y. Chong, and J. Kim); (127) Standard Mathematics Discourses of Developmental Algebra Undergraduates (S. K. Staats); (128) Novice Students, Experienced Mathematicians, and Advanced Mathematical Thinking Processes (E. Stadler); (129) The "Soil" of Extended Problems: The Cultural Background of the Chinese Mathematics Teaching Practice (X. Sun and N.-Y. Wong); (130) Immersion in Mathematical Inquiry: The Experiences of Beginning Teachers (C. Suurtamm and B. Graves); (131) The Whole Idea (S. Tobias); (132) The Teaching Modes (R. A. Tomas Ferreira); (133) Didactic Decisions (J. Trgalova and I. Lima); (134) Evaluating a Large-Scale National Program for Incorporating Computational Technologies to Mathematics Classrooms (M. Trigueros and A. I. Sacristan); (135) Symmetry: Equality or a Dynamic Transformation? (K. Tselepidis and C. Markopoulos); (136) Teaching Children to Count (F. Turner); (137) Student Conceptions and Textbook Messages (B. Ubuz); (138) Students' Errors in Transforming Terms and Equations (A. Ulovec and A. Tollay); (139) Mathematics with Technology (S. Ursini, G. Sanchez, and D. Santos); (140) Francisca Uses Decimal Numbers (M. E. Valedmoros Alvarez and E. F. Ledesma Ruiz); (141) Development of Numerical Estimation in Grade 1 to 3 (M. van Galen and P. Reitsma); (142) Mathematics Education and Neurosciences (MENS) (F. van Nex and T. Gebuis); (143) Symbolizing and Modeling to Promote a Flexible Use of the Minus Sign in Algebraic Operations (J. Vlassis); (144) An Analysis of Preservice Teachers' Estimation Strategies within the Context of Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (T. N. Volkova); (145) What Does It Mean to Interpret Students' Talk and Actions? (T. Wallach and R. Even); (146) The Research of Co-Teaching Math between Experienced and Preservice Teachers in Elementary School (J.-H. Wang); (147) The Influence of Teaching on Transforming Math Thinking (T.-Y. Wang and F.-J. Hsieh); (148) Searching for Common Ground (J. Watson, L. Webb, L. King, and P. Webb); (149) Are Beliefs and Practices Congruent or Disjoint? (L. Webb and P. Webb); (150) Working Memory and Children's Mathematics (M. Witt and S. Pickering); (151) Mathematics Education Reform in the United States (T. Wood); (152) A Modeling Perspective on Problem Solving in Students' Mathematics Project (F.-M. Yen and C.-K. Chang); and (153) Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Teachers' Mathematics-Related Beliefs (S.-Y. Yu and C.-K. Chang). Poster presentations include: (1) A Comparative Analysis of Mathematics Achievement and Attitudes of Male and Female Students in Botswana Secondary Schools (A. A. Adeyinka); (2) Logical-Mathematical Learning for Student with Down's Syndrome (R. M. Aguilar, A. Bruno, C. S. Gonzalez, V. Munoz, A. Noda, and L. Moreno); (3) The Math Fair as a Bridge between Mathematics and Mathematics Education, the University and Elementary or Junior High School (M. Beisiegel); (4) One Teaching Episode from a Learner's, an Observer's and a Teacher's Point of View (H. Binterova and J. Novotna); (5) A Framework for Studying Curricular Effects on Students' Learning (J. Cai and J. C. Moyer); (6) Preservice Elementary Teachers' Conceptual Understanding of Word Problems (O. Chapman); (7) Mathematics Education and School Failure (P.Chaviaris and S. Kafoussi); (8) Enhancing the Seventh Graders' Learning on Equality Axiom and Linear Equation through Inquiry-Oriented Teaching and Integrated Mathematics and Science Curriculum (K.-J. Chen, S.-Y. Yu, E.-T. Chin, and H.-L. Tuan); (9) To Conjecture the Staff Development Model of Mathematical Teacher According to Spark's Theory (Y.-T. Chen and S. Leou); (10) Discovery of Implementing Teaching by Discussion in Mathematics Classrooms (J. Chung); (11) Modeling Teachers' Questions in High School Mathematics Classes (S. Dalton, G. Davis, and S. Hegedus); (12) My Assistant, a Didactic Tool of Mathematics for Primary School Teachers (N. de Bengoechea-Olguin); (13) A Model to Interpret Teacher's Practices in Technology-Based Environment (N. C. Dedeoglu); (14) The Gnomon (P. Delikanlis); (15) The Teacher's Proactive Role in the Context of Word Problem Solving by Young Beginners in Algebra (I. Demonty); (16) Students' Geometrical Thinking Development at Grade 8 in Shanghai (L. Ding and K. Jones); (17) An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Learning to Teach Mathematical Writing (H. M. Doerr, K. Chandler-Olcott, and J. O. Masingila); (18) Multiplication Models (D. Droujkov and M. Droujkova); (19) Quantitative Grids and Cyclic Patterns (D. Droujkov and M. Droujkova); (20) Learners' Influence in Computer Environments (M. Droujkova nd D. Droujkov); (21) Alleviating Obstructions to Learning (D. Easdown); (22) Knowledge and Interpretation of Teachers to the School Content of Proportionality (H. Enriquez Ramirez and E. Jimenez de la Rosa Barrios); (23) Mathematical Flexibility in the Domain of School Trigonometry (C. Fi); (24) "Moving Fluidly among Worlds" (S. Gerofsky); (25) Making Practice Studyable (H. Ghousseini and L. Sleep); (26) Cognitive Roots for the Concept of Asymptote (V. Giraldo, M. Chaves, and E. Belfort); (27) Flemish and Spanish High School Students' Mathematics-Related Beliefs Systems (I. M. Gomez-Chacon, P. Op't Eynde, and E. De Corte); (28) Cube Nets (M.Hejny and D. Jirotkova); (29) From Word Notation of Relations between Constants and Unknown to Algebraic Notation (Pretest) (J. Herman); (30) Mathematics and Community Capacity Building (P. Howard and B. Perry); (31) A Study on the Mathematical Thinking in Learning Process (C.J.-Hsieh and F.-J. Hsieh); (32) A Case Study on Pre-Service Teachers Making Mathematical Model of Voronoi-Diagram (C.-T. Hu and T.-Y. Tso); (33) A Fast-Track Approach to Algebra for Adults (R. Hubbard); (34) The Validity of On-Screen Assessment of Mathematics (S. Hughes); (35) After Using Computer Algebra System, Change of Students' Rationales and Writing (I. K. Kim); (36) Using a Socrates' Method in a Course of Mathematics Education for Future Mathematics Teachers (N. H. Kim); (37) Beyond Visual Level (G. Kospentaris and T. Spirou); (38) Videopapers and Professional Development (T. Lima Costa and H. Nascentes Coelho); (39) Concurrent Calibration Design for Mathematics Learning Progress Investigation (C.-J. Lin, P.-H. Hung, and S. Lin); (40) Further Insights into the Proportion Reasoning and the Ratio Concept (C. Liu, F.-L. Lin, W. Kuo, and I.-L. Hou); (41) Coursework Patterns between Mathematics and Science among Secondary Students (X. Ma); (42) Beginning the Lesson (C. Mesiti and D. Clarke); (43) Development of Web Environment for Lower Secondary School Mathematics Teachers with 3D Dynamic Geometry Software (M. Miyazaki, H. Arai, K. Chino, F. Ogihara, Y. Oguchi, and T. Morozumi); (44) The Effect of the Teacher's Mode of Instruction inside Math Classrooms with a Computer (S. Mochon and M. E. F. Olvera); (45) Mathematics Education in Rural Schools (J. Mousley and G. Marks); (46) Mathematically Gifted Students' Conception of Infinity (G. Na and E. Lee); (47) A Good Moment in Time to Stop "Shying Away from the Nature of Our Subject"? (E. Nardi); (48) Toward Real Change through Virtual Communities (K. T. Nolan); (49) Powerful Ideas, Learning Stories and Early Childhood Mathematics (B. Perry, E.Harley, and S. Dockett); (50) Tracing the Development of Knowledge about Mathematics Teaching (C. Rey-Mas and C. Penalva-Martinez); (51) Preschool Children's Number Sense (L. de C. Ribeiro and A. G. Spinillo); (52) A First Approach to Students' Learning of Mathematical Contents (G. Sanchez-Matamoros and I. Escudero); (53) Young Children's Mathematics Education within a Philosophical Community of Inquiry (A. Sawyer); (54) Learning Mathematics in Austria (H. Schwetz and G. Benke); (55) The Influence of a Mathematician on His Students' Perceptions (A. Sharif-Rasslan); (56) Analysis on the Algebraic Generalization of Some Korean Mathematically Promising Elementary Students (S. Song, J. Yim, Y. Chong, and E. Park); (57) Students' Linguistic Strategies for Shared Authority in Undergraduate Algebra Discussions (S. Staats); (58) Contrasting Decimal Conceptions of Adult and School Students (K. Stacey and V. Steinle); (59) Mathematical Writing and the Development of Understanding (N. Stehlikova); (60) Enhancing Teachers' Professional Development through Developing Teaching Norms Based on Developing Classroom Learning Norms (W.-H. Tsai); (61) The Features in the Process of Mathematical Modeling with Dynamic Geometric Software (T.-Y. Tso); (62) Finding Instructive Characteristics of Picture Books that Support the Learning of Mathematics (S. van den Boogaard and M. van den Heuvel-Panhuizen); (63) High School Course Pathways of High Achieving Girls (P. H. Wilson, G. F. Mojica, K. M. Slaten, and S. B. Berenson); (64) The Developmental Stages of Representations of Simple Regular Space Figures of Elementary School Students (D.-B. Wu, J.-L. Ma, and D.-C. Chen); (65) How to Assess Mathematical Thinking? (S. Yesildere and E. B. Turnuklu); and (66) Lasting Effects of a Professional Development Initiative (S. Zehetmeier). (Individual papers contain references.)

The first volume of the 29th annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education contains plenary lecture and research forum papers as listed below. Short oral communications papers, poster presentations, brief summaries of discussion groups, and working sessions are also included in the volume. The plenary lectures include: (1) Modelling Students' Learning in Argumentation and Mathematics Proof (Fou-Lai Lin); (2) Travelling the Road to Expertise (Stacey); (3) Telling Identities (Sfar and Prusak); and (4) Co-Constructing Artefacts and Knowledge in Net-Based Teams (Reimann). The plenary panel section includes: (1) What Do Studies Like PISA Mean to the Mathematics Education Community? (Jones); (2) From a Profile to the Scrutiny of Student Performance (Yoshinori); (3) The PISA-Study (Neubrand); (4) Some Results from the PISA 2003 International Assessment of Mathematics Learning (Kieran); and (5) The Foundation and Spectacle of [the Leaning Tower of] PISA (Williams). The first research forum (RF01) includes: (1) Not Everything Is Proportional (De Brock, Van Dooren, and Verschaffel); (2) Designing Instruction on Proportional Reasoning with Average Speed (Gravemeijer, van Galen, and Keijzer); (3) Folding Perimeters (Friedlander and Arcavi); and (4) The Dolls' House Classroom (Ainley and Pratt). The second research forum (RF02) includes: (1) Shaping a Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Signs (Arzarello, Ferrara, Robutti, Paola, and Sabena); (2) Working with Artefacts (Bussi and Maschietto); (3) The Role of Gestures in Mathematical Discourse (Edwards); (4) Connecting Talk, Gesture, and Eye Motion for the Microanalysis of Mathematics Learning (Ferrara and Nemirovsky); (5) Why Do Gestures Matter? Gestures as Semiotic Means of Objectification (Radford); (6) Gestures, Signs and Mathematisation (Williams); and (7) Building Intellectual Infrastructure to Expose and Understand Ever-Increasing Complexity (Kaput). The third research forum (RF03) includes: (1) Using Growth Points to Describe Pathways for Young Children's Number Learning (Gervasoni); (2) Number Attainment in Sri Lankan Primary Schools (Hart); and (3) Mathematics Recovery (Pearn). The fourth research forum (RF04) includes: (1) The Place of Theory in Mathematics Education Research (Lester, Jr.); (2) Theories of Mathematics Education (Lerman); (3) The Articulation of Symbol and Mediation in Mathematics Education (Armella); (4) Using Theory to Advance Our Understandings of Student Cognitive Development (Pegg and Tall); (5) Trends in the Evolution of Models and Modeling Perspectives on Mathematical Learning and Problem Solving (Lesh and English); and (6) Issues and Tendencies in German Mathematics-Didactics (Torner and Sriraman). (Individual papers contain references.)

The Multiple Intelligences Developmental Assessment Scales (MIDAS) instrument was developed to measure eight constructs of intelligence. The 119-item MIDAS provides scores for 26 subscales in addition to the 8 major scales. Using the 26 subscales, a factor structure was developed on half of a U.S. sample of college students (n=834), while the second half was compared to six samples of college students and young adults from Canada (n=203), Chile (n=202), Korea (South Korea; n=200)), Singapore (n=284), Taiwan (n=203), and the United Kingdom (n=190). Multi-sample confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the fit of the imposed model as parameters were progressively relaxed. The seven groups were found to differ little even when the factor structure constraints were fully relaxed. A pairwise comparison between the U.S. sample and each of the remaining six groups found that the factor structure was common in the most relevant aspects for the Canadian and United Kingdom samples, but some differences were found for the remaining groups. The group showing the least in common with the U.S. factor structure was Korea. The overall results are supportive of multiple intelligences being viewed as abilities that are influenced by cultural content. (Contains 1 figure, 8 tables, and 20 references.) (Author/SLD)

This study examined the unique learning styles of Asian-American students, noting different Asian immigrants' backgrounds and relating Asian cultures to children's learning. Data came from a literature review; interviews with 19 families from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan who had a total of 33 children ages 6-21 years; and home and community observations conducted during spring 1998-spring 2000. Results indicated that all students came from nuclear intact families of foreign-born parents who were active in their children's academic lives. Students reported that structural teaching and clear expectations helped them focus on content being taught. Half of high school and college students preferred self-directed learning and individual projects. Teachers' approval and encouragement were important reinforcers. Parental supervision and support played an important role in children's learning. Parents provided a safe, supportive environment for their children and usually involved their children in extracurricular activities. They also pressured their children to be not only successful, but also outstanding. These children of East Asian parents adjusted well academically to American schools. They may need teacher and administrator psychological support and understanding to reduce pressure from the home and community. (Contains 12 references.) (SM)

Secondary-level technology programs in Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan (also known as the "Four Little Dragons") were compared by using a methodology incorporating four stages: description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison. It was discovered that, in all four countries, technology education is required for all students in the lower secondary grades (grades 7-9) and offered on an elective basis to students in the upper secondary grades (grades 10-12). A trend toward increasing incorporation of information technology into technology education was noted in all four countries. Emphasis on higher-order thinking skills and the role of problem solving in the design process also appeared to be increasing in all four countries. Among the common problems faced by all four countries in the implementation of technology education were the following: lack of qualified teachers and adequate equipment; insufficient financial support and teaching hours; and out-of-date curricula. More dialogue among technology educators from Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan is necessary. All four countries' chances of fostering technology education are good provided they engage in ongoing and systematic curriculum development and effective professional supervision. (MN)

These proceedings contain an introduction and 26 papers arranged in five sections: (1) People's Republic of China and Taiwan (Republic of China); (2) Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand; (3) Korea; (4) Japan and the Western Pacific; and (5) United States. Paper titles and authors are as follows: "Recent Social Security Policies and Developments in the People's Republic of China (PRC)" (Liu); "Long-Term Care for the Elderly in China" (Liang, Gu); "Retirement Policy, Health and Social Services for the Elderly in Shanghai" (Wong); "Informal Social Support Systems in China" (Liu); "Cognitive Impairment among the Elderly in Shanghai, China" (Yu et al.); "Intergenerational Relations in Contemporary China--Descriptive Findings from Shanghai" (Barusch et al.); "Family Structure and Elderly Problems in Taiwan" (Shu); "Taipei Municipal Government Budgetary Issues for Elderly Services" (Bai); "The Family as a Social Welfare Support System for the Elderly in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China" (Yang); "Need of the Elderly for Home Care Services in a Changing Society--The Case of Taipei Metropolitan City" (Chan); "Survey of an Interdisciplinary Study on Aging in Taipei--Sample, Instrument and Interview" (Hsieh); "Welfare Policies for the Aged on Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait--A Comparison" (Tsai); "The Coping Behavior of Caregivers in Hong Kong" (Kwan); "Segregated Housing and Residential Services for the Chinese Elderly in Hong Kong" (Ngan); "Social Support Networks for the Elderly in a High Rise Public Housing Estate in Singapore" (Cheung); "The Impact of Living Arrangements of the Elderly on Government Programs in Thailand" (Wongsith); "Operation and Development of Programs for Community Care for the Low Income Elderly in Seoul" (Cho); "Indicators of Health Status of Older People in Korea" (Koh); "The Korean-American Urban Elderly" (Kim, Kim); "The Roles of Government, Family, and the Elderly Individual Caring for Older Persons in Japan" (Maeda); "An Overview of Aging in the Western Pacific" (Andrews); "Gerontology in Higher Education in the United States" (Rich); "A Theoretical Overview of Ageism in the United States: Criticisms and Proposals toward a New Outlook" (Jan, Thacker); "Direct Care Personnel Shortages in Long-Term Care: Global Implications" (Cowart); "Quality of Care in Sheltered Housing--Regulation or Education?" (Streib); and"Financial Models for Long-Term Care: USA" (Sutton-Bell). (NLA)

This document is a summary of the situations of six Asian nations (The People's Republic of China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and India) compared to the United States in science and technology education. The paper includes a table of the production of bachelor of science degrees in science and engineering in 1990, comparing the Asian countries as a group with the United States. Graphs of human resources discuss growth in enrollment in higher education, ratio of university enrollments to college age population, and higher education degree data. Degree information is broken down into degrees in the natural sciences and engineering. A chart shows the number and percentage of Asian students from each of the countries in question who study natural sciences or engineering at U.S. universities at the doctoral and bachelor levels. The ratio of science and engineering degrees to total degrees is represented. Expenditures for research and development are compared between the Asian countries and the United States, as are science and engineering personnel. Growth rate in gross domestic product is represented. After the general comparisons, each of the six Asian nations is discussed individually. Implications for the United States include the continuation of Asian countries' use of the U.S. higher education system. Foreign graduate student enrollment in U.S. universities and preference for natural science and engineering degrees will maintain U.S. doctoral program's strong emphasis on natural science and engineering. These nations will challenge the United States, for the personnel educated in U.S. universities for their own high technology economies. (DK)