Calculator usage in the United States is prevalent in secondary education classrooms. There has been a decline in mathematics achievement in national and international assessments for U.S. students. The U.S. historically introduces the calculator in mathematics classrooms earlier than several other countries, including: Singapore, Ireland, South…

This descriptive research study examined 2013 NAEP 12th-grade mathematics scores by students' use of graphing calculators in math classes and the kind of calculator students used during NAEP assessment. NAEP Data Explorer analysis included two questions from Student Factors: How often do you use these different kinds of calculators in math class?…

"The Language of Mathematics in Science" is an ASE/Nuffield project aimed at supporting teachers of 11-16 science in the use of mathematical ideas in the science curriculum. Two publications have been produced. This article focuses on the first of these, "The Language of Mathematics in Science: A Guide for Teachers of 11-16…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the meanings that a teacher associated with calculators as reflected in the teacher's use of calculators in two 12th-grade mathematics courses, and to link those meanings to the institutions and individuals that supported the development of those meanings. By describing the teacher's conceptions of his…

Describes four 50-minute lessons in which complex numbers are introduced to year-12 calculus students using hand-held calculators and laptop computers. (ASK)

Features activities for advanced second-year algebra students in grades 11 and 12. Introduces three random variables and considers an empirical and theoretical probability for each. Uses coins, regular dice, decahedral dice, and calculators. (ASK)

This student textbook is designed to incorporate programable calculators in grade 12 mathematics. The seven chapters contained in this document are: (1) Using Calculators in Mathematics; (2) Sequences, Series, and Limits; (3) Iteration, Mathematical Induction, and the Binomial Theorem; (4) Applications of the Fundamental Counting Principle; (5)…

This twelfth grade diploma examination is written in both French and English. The test consists of 52 multiple-choice items and three written response questions. Two and one-half hours are provided for taking the test; approved calculators may be used. The test content covers a wide range of mathematical topics including: geometry; trigonometry;…

This teacher's guide is designed to aid in the incorporation of programable calculators in the school mathematics program for pupils in grade 12. Warnings are given, including the need for care in modifying the curriculum so that students are not punished in the process. The concept of "black boxing," of letting the computer or…

In this paper we present findings from two studies focusing on computer algebra system (CAS) calculators. In Victoria, Australia, it is currently mandatory for students to use graphics calculators in some grade 12 mathematics examinations. Since 2001, a pilot study has been conducted involving Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students…

A representative sample of 237 twelfth-grade mathematics classrooms completed internationally developed achievement tests. What was taught, what teachers and teaching were like, students' attitudes and achievement, and comparisons with students in other countries are included. (MNS)

In 1995, the American College Testing (ACT) Program conducted a study of the effects of using a calculator in its ACT Assessment and PLAN mathematics tests taken by approximately 38,000 students. Whether there would be changes in the PLAN and ACT score scales as a result of permitting calculator use on the mathematics tests was explored with…

This report of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) focuses on students' and teachers' reports about the classroom contexts for learning school mathematics in the top-performing one-third of schools compared to the bottom performing one-third. In 1990, 26,652 students from 1,237 schools participated in the study, while in 1992,…

Calculators were used in the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) of 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade public school and private school students and in the Trial State Assessment of 8th-grade public school students. Before they were tested, all of the students were trained briefly in how to use the equipment. NAEP collected information…

This is the second of four phases of reporting the findings of a study of school mathematics in 24 countries, including the United States. The report consists of five parts: (1) introduction; (2) eighth-grade findings; (3) twelfth-grade findings; (4) student attitudes toward mathematics; and (5) concluding remarks. Supporting documentation…