It is suggested that the reasons for teaching the standard written algorithms for calculations are not out of date. Alternative algorithms, such as mental algorithms, calculators, and nonstandard written methods, are discussed. (MP)

Three types of arithmetic algorithms are discussed and compared. These are algorithms designed to get the right answer, computer algorithms, and algorithms designed to get the right answer and understand why. (MP)

Describes a pilot project for MATLAB work in both information communication technology (ICT) and mathematics. The ICT work is on flowcharts and algorithms and discusses ways of communicating with computers. Mathematics lessons involve early algebraic ideas of variables representing numbers. Presents an activity involving number sequences. (KHR)

Describes how open-ended writing prompts provide a window into student understanding and mathematical thinking. (YDS)

Investigated the continuous fraction concepts of (n=59) students in grades four, five, and six. Students were confident and accurate when performing sharing tasks, but were much less successful on continuous quantity tasks involving formal fraction language and symbol manipulation fraction tasks. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses mathematics education research on multiplication and division which implies that instruction should emphasize development of a sound conceptual basis for multiplication and division rather than memorization of tables and rules. Presents action research ideas. (10 references) (MKR)

Describes an attempt to encourage fifth- and sixth-graders to invent their own ways of solving problems involving division with fractions. Emphasizes the importance of social interaction in Piaget's constructivism and explains why debate and verification are important for children's construction of logico-mathematical knowledge. (22 references)…

This study investigated students' conceptual and procedural understanding of calculus within the context of an engineering mechanics course. Four traditional calculus students were compared with three students from one of the calculus reform projects, Calculus & Mathematica. Task-based interviews were conducted with each participant throughout…

In this paper, prepared for a European conference on mathematics education, the author examines three types of computer use in undergraduate and high school classrooms: Using the computer as an instructional tool for student development of algorithms, teaching about the computer itself, and use of computer-assisted instruction. (SD)

In a two-year study, frequencies and descriptions of systematic errors in four algorithms in arithmetic were studied in regular and special education classrooms. (Author/SD)

Students who were unsuccessful in performing long division were taught to use a successive subtractions algorithm. (SD)

The author argues that secondary-school teachers need to be more aware of the content of primary level mathematics work. Citing an algorithm, he discusses the issue of basic skills in relation to the increasing use of calculators. (SD)

A method for generating 3x3 magic squares is developed. A series of questions relating to these magic squares is posed. An invesitgation using matrix methods is suggested with some questions for consideration. (LS)

Three different methods of teaching fraction computation were compared using community college student scores on measures of fraction computation, fraction understanding, and attitude towards mathematics. One method used conventional algorithms; the second, a control for the effect of using a calculator, used conventional algorithms and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a student's confidence in his computational procedures for each of the four basic arithmetic operations and the student's achievement on computation problems. All of the students in grades 5 through 8 in one school system (a total of 6186 students) were given a questionnaire to…