This work presents the result of the application of a didactic sequence designed to understand the concept of the Cavalieri's Principle, supported by the GeoGebra application in its version for mobile phones -- 3D Calculator. For this study, the Theory of Categories of Intuitive Reasoning, by Efraim Fischbein, was used as a conceptual basis. The…

In this study I explore the construction of algebraic structure sense through engaging students in task sequences designed to elicit the development of competencies related to this understanding. The primary task-design principle employed in this study is strategic variation, in which certain components of items within task sequences vary while…

Southern Cross University (SCU) educators and local teachers have developed a five-lesson instructional sequence built around fluke identification as a way of resolving the question: How fast do humpback whales travel up the east coast of Australia?

Twenty years ago when the author was student teaching, he quickly learned what geometry teachers and researchers (e.g., Senk 1985) have long known: High school geometry students struggle with proof. Throughout his career, he has tried to create instructional materials to make proof more accessible to his students. From field-testing materials with…

Instruction often starts with an explanation of a concept or principle before students are presented with problems to be solved. Recent research indicates that reversing this widely used tell-and-practice sequence (T&P) so that exploratory problem-solving precedes the instructional explanation (i.e., PS-I) might be more beneficial. We aimed to…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of grade-aligned math instruction on math skill acquisition of four middle schools with moderate intellectual disability. Teachers were trained to follow a task analysis to teach grade-aligned math to middle school students using adapted math problem stories and graphic organizers. The teacher…

The premise underlying this article is that identifying and using the "five practices model" can make discussions of cognitively challenging tasks more manageable for teachers. By giving teachers a roadmap that they can follow before and during whole-class discussions, these practices have the potential for helping teachers more effectively…

Competence in algebra is linked to access to higher education, employment in better-paying jobs, and, increasingly, the ability to earn a high school diploma. For many students with learning disabilities, developing proficiency in algebra represents a challenging, but necessary goal. Teachers of students with learning disabilities need access to…

Structuring the algebra course to provide a link between a student's existing knowledge and the new topic being presented is discussed. Developing relationships among topics is suggested through examples describing a mathematical problem and effective teaching approaches. Stress is placed on teachers reflecting on mistakes pupils are likely to…

Argues that reasons for teaching geometry before second-year algebra include higher student achievement and attitude and better abstract thinking. (PK)

Proposes that ability is a concept central to the current practices of mathematics teaching. Argues that the widespread view that mathematics learning is an ordered progression through a hierarchy of knowledge and skills subjects students to "ability stereotyping" and serves as a gross global model. (TW)