Quantitative literacy has been recognized as an important skill in the higher education and workforce communities, focusing on problem solving, reasoning, and real-world application. As a result, there is a need by various stakeholders in higher education and workforce communities to evaluate whether college students receive sufficient training on…

This digest provides a guide to improving student achievement in mathematics education and suggests resources for further study. It provides recommendations for the classroom and is a companion piece to "Improving Student Achievement in Mathematics, Part I: Research Findings." Recommendations include that students can learn both concepts…

This digest summarizes research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education. Among the findings are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following individual and group work improves student achievement; and using calculators in the learning of mathematics can result in increased…

Based on a summary of research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education, which is presented in Part 1, the companion to this digest, recommendations are given to improve mathematics teaching practices. Among the recommendations are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following…

This volume contains the proceedings of the International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Education (TIME 2000). It includes papers, posters, and short oral reports. Research papers include: (1) "Implications of the Shift from Isolated Expensive Technology to Connected, Inexpensive, Ubiquitous and Diverse Technologies" (Jim…

The article seeks to illustrate that calculators and problem solving complement each other perfectly. (MK)

Analyzes the development of one student's understanding of vector magnitude and how her problem solving was mediated by use of the absolute value graphics calculator function. (Contains 35 references.) (Author/ASK)

Three preliminary studies and one exploratory main study investigated the effect of calculator use on elementary, middle, and secondary school students' solution methods on routine mathematical problems. Items were identified for which a longer and a shorter solution method existed. Half of the sample worked these using a calculator and half used…

The first part in the serialized version of a book on the use of calculators for problem solving is presented. It contains prefaces for teachers and students and a chapter on getting started which includes topics such as symmetries, operations, powers, and chaining. (MP)

A distinction is made between estimation and checking, and an analysis of standard errors made on calculators when pupils are checking answers is given. (MP)

Focuses on changes in attitude toward mathematics and calculator use and changes in how general mathematics students naturalistically solve algebraic problems. Uses a survey to determine whether a student is rule-based. Concludes that the rule-based students used an equation to solve the algebraic word problem whereas the non-rule-based students…

Presents an experiment carried out at the University of Groningen where pretest-posttest design was used including two experimental conditions with the graphics calculator (TI-81) and one control condition without the calculator. Results point toward a change in teacher instructional behavior and in pupils' problem-solving approaches. Contains 14…

Three games in which the calculator plays an important facilitating role are presented. It promotes a "guess then adjust your guess" strategy. The games are described within the context of elementary, junior high, and secondary classrooms. (MNS)

This paper examines to show how an investigative approach to mathematics teaching can honor its two important dimensions--a thinking and reasoning side to go with the skill development. The paper addresses the question of why a problem solving approach has failed, makes the case for investigations as an overarching organizer, and discusses the…

Calculators are seen to shift the student focus in problem-solving situations from "how to do it" to "what to do," by keeping computation from standing in the way when pupils write or solve problems. (MP)