Designed initially for use in college computer science courses, the model and computer-aided instructional environment (CAIE) described helps students develop algorithmic problem solving skills. Cognitive skills required are discussed, and implications for developing computer-based design environments in other disciplines are suggested by…

Presents a developmental taxonomy which promotes sequencing activities to enhance the potential of matching these activities with learner needs and readiness, suggesting that the order commonly found in the classroom needs to be inverted. The proposed taxonomy (story, skill, and algorithm) involves problem-solving emphasis in the classroom. (JN)

Provides a short list of integral triples for the design of problems employing unit fractions (so solutions will be positive integers). Also presents an algorithm whereby both primary and imprimitive sets of triples can be easily obtained and shows how to extend the algorithm to solve three-variate unit fraction equations. (JN)

The merits of having students interact with the computer rather than use canned programs to solve problems are discussed. Examples are provided. (SD)

This 1998 yearbook aims to stimulate and answer questions that all educators of mathematics need to consider to adapt school mathematics for the 21st century. The papers included in this book cover a wide variety of topics, including student-invented algorithms, the assessment of such algorithms, algorithms from history and other cultures, ways…

The outcomes of two scoring methods (one based on an error analysis and the second on a conventional method) on free-response tests, compared in terms of reliability and dimensionality, indicates the conventional method is inferior in both aspects. (Author/PN)

This report explains the mathematical origin of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) approximation often used in elementary Business Mathematics courses. (MP)

The need for incorporating algorithmics into mathematics instruction is presented. The proliferation of computers is seen to have made the designing of algorithms an essential skill. Examples are given, and the view that mathematics will lose much prestige and importance if algorithmics is not integrated into it is presented. (MP)

Proposes a problem-oriented, man-machine modelling process which combines algorithms and software to assist decision makers and planners in dealing with complex socio-economic issues. Includes the specific parts in each of the system's three basic elements: a library, special units, and system control units. (Author/DC)

A tool to aid elementary calculus students in the computation of unusual limits is reviewed. (MP)

The method used at airports in determining the cloud height at night is presented. Several problems, the equation used, and a simple design of an alidade (an instrument that shows cloud heights directly) are also included. (MP)

A learning pattern designed to help students cut down the amount of memorization needed in learning the basic multiplication facts is suggested and reviewed. (MP)

An organized series of steps designed to help students solve related rate problems often found in beginning calculus is presented. Two example problems are taken through five steps of solution. (MP)

Changes in the elementary and junior high school mathematics curriculum that have occurred in the last 20 years and that may occur in the future are discussed. (MK)

Four procedures used by children for deriving answers to unknown subtraction facts are described. They are counting forward, counting backward, derivation, and bridging. (MP)