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)

The conception of mathematics anxiety held by a teacher may have a great deal to do with the way in which mathematics is characterized in classroom teaching. The purpose of this study is to determine if fourth-grade students' mathematics anxiety can be decreased by a change in implementing new instructional strategies. The study employed a…

Presents several types of functions which fit a given set of data and create opportunities for classroom discussion comparing different kinds of functions and identifying some of the potential hazards associated with extrapolation from best-fit functions. (DDR)

Notes the computer has progressed from being a fast calculating machine to becoming an important tool for the whole academic spectrum. Discusses the development of new courses being offered to develop skills and knowledge in computational physics. (Author/MVL)

Describes a step-by-step procedure that enables teachers to develop lessons that effectively use software or special calculators in the classroom. Problem-solving strategies and questions are determined that correspond to the technology through which students are able to construct their own knowledge. Illustrates the procedure using spreadsheets,…

Half of a sample of 11,457 college-bound juniors used a calculator on Scholastic Aptitude Test mathematics questions, while half did not. Both genders and three ethnic groups benefited about equally from calculator use. Students who routinely used calculators were relatively advantaged, but effects on individual test items varied. (SLD)

The Mathematics Education Research Group of Australia (MERGA) was officially constituted in 1980. In 1984, MERGA produced the first review of the mathematics education research carried out in that region. This book is the third in that series of research reviews. An overview provides the context in which the Australian research was conducted and…

A set of 18 posters, each 28 cm x 43 cm and printed on parchmentlike paper, and an activity book for teachers in middle and secondary schools make up this publication. The posters illustrate the ideas that mathematics spans centuries and cultures, and is both useful and enjoyable. The activity book emphasizes problem solving, with a focus on…

In 1985-1987, seven faculty members at Sacramento City College (SCC), California, conducted classroom-based research studies as part of an effort by the college to involve faculty directly in research as a means to improve teaching and learning. In 1987-88, three follow-up studies were conducted to validate and/or expand upon the original…

A unit of study that introduces collecting, representing, describing, and interpreting data is presented. Suitable for students in grades 4 through 6, it provides a foundation for further work in statistics and data analysis. The investigations may extend from one to four class sessions and are grouped into three parts: "Introduction to Data…

This teacher's guide was designed to accompany five student workbooks: Math Language, Understanding Word Problems, Using a Calculator, Estimation, and Solving Word Problems. The series was specifically developed for low achieving students. The teaching gradually progresses in difficulty, but concepts are presented in small chunks that students can…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) collected data on the mathematics performance of 9-, 13-, and 17-year old Americans in 1973, 1978, and 1982. An additional assessment in grades 3, 7, and 11 is planned for 1986. Educational objectives to be used in the 1986 assessment were contributed, reviewed, and revised by a committee of…

This document summarizes the findings of the Second International Mathematics Study relative to calculator and computer usage by students in 20 countries. Two target populations were identified. The data on these two populations were provided by three basic questionnaires: (1) a school questionnaire; (2) a teacher questionnaire; and (3) a student…

This General Mathematics II curriculum reflects the 1980 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Agenda for Action statement that emphasis in mathematics learning and teaching should be shifted away from isolated computational skills toward problem-solving techniques. The use of calculators and estimation is encouraged. Emphasis both in…

This document contains 12 position statements of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The statements affirm positions on basic skills, mathematics and bilingual/bicultural education, class size, guidance and counseling for secondary-school counselors and mathematics teachers, involvement of and pressures on classroom teachers,…