Over the past decade, research on the use of technology in the mathematics classroom has focused primarily on issues of student learning and engagement. In this article, we focus on middle grades mathematics teachers' use of The Geometer's Sketchpad, and study both the decisions they make about when to use technology, and their motivations for…

Fourth graders (n=204) and seventh graders (n=185) were given a prior-knowledge inventory, a graph test, and reading and achievement tests during four testing sessions. Significant predictors for graph comprehension were identified for both grade four and grade seven students. The results suggest that children should be involved in graphing…

During the first 12 weeks of an applied calculus course, two classes of college students studied calculus concepts using graphical and symbol-manipulation computer programs to perform routine manipulations. Three weeks were spent on skill development. Students showed better understanding of concepts and performed almost as well on routine skills.…

A graph is an example of a symbol system which encodes information through the juxtaposition of marks in a two dimensional plane; decoding the meaning of a graph uses specific attributes of the human visual system. This study was undertaken to identify some variables critical to graph interpretation as a first step in designing better curriculum…

Computer graphing makes it easier for students and teachers to create and manipulate graphs. Scale issues are nearly unavoidable in the computer context. In interviews and protocol analysis with six students from grade 8, and 12 students from grades 11 and 12, it became apparent that some aspects of scale are clearly understood very early while…

Presents a model of the tutoring process that takes into account the evolving tutor/student relationship and the subject matter concerns that the tutor is helping the student master. Reports illustrative data from case studies from which the model is derived. (15 references) (MDH)

A series of 28 15-minute video programs in mathematics designed for use in grade 4, It Figures uses a combination of drama and animation to focus on mathematical skills, ideas, and problem-solving strategies. This instructional television series has been used in the United States and Canada since 1982, and a survey of selected teachers using It…

This report summarizes the work of a two-year project which focused primarily on the problems that students have with algebra in general, and graphs in particular. The first of two major sections in the document deals with the use of computer software to assist in the teaching of graphing. It concludes that thoughtful design and use of graphing…

Discusses the interactions of several students involved in a Dutch research project studying student achievement in elementary school mathematics. Results showed progress by most children, particularly those with low scores on the pretests. (TW)

The Triple Representation Model of problem solving is presented. The use of microcomputers in this problem-solving environment is discussed, and examples are provided. The integration of this method into the mathematics curriculum is described. (CW)

Presents abstracts from the National Educational Computing Conference held in Dallas, Texas on June 15-17, 1988. Selected topics include: a physical science interactive videodisc project, impact of calculators and computers in secondary math, relationships between graphing and functions, effectiveness of computer use, training science teachers,…

Within mathematics education, classroom teachers, educational researchers, and instructional designers share the common goals of understanding and improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. Teachers work to help students learn; researchers study how people learn and teach mathematics; and designers develop instructional materials to…

A 3-year study was conducted to determine the logical reasoning processes necessary to construct line graphs. Responses obtained from middle and high school science and mathematics students were classified into one of nine categories. These categories ranged from "no attempt to make a graph" to "complete graph with a statement of a…

Provides an example of the integration of science and mathematics learning of one high school physics student in a constructivist classroom. Discusses the student's integration of mathematical and nonmathematical representations and of different mathematical representations in a nonuniform acceleration experiment. Describes a model for integrating…