This yearbook discusses instructional approaches that are consistent with the reformulation of the school mathematics curriculum by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Articles included cover: (1) Pennsylvania standards for mathematics programs (including goals, curriculum, instruction, evaluation, teachers, and…

Most teachers agree that the mathematics skills needed for today's world encompass more than basic computation. It is important that schools provide students with the skills to organize and analyze the wealth of information that confronts them on a daily basis. Therefore, the quantitative reasoning skills required for intelligent problem solving…

From 1984 through 1988, the authors worked with teachers using an inquiry approach to teach high school geometry courses with the aid of the "Geometric Supposers." Problems are a critical component of the approach because they focus attention and energy and guide students in the application, integration, and extension of knowledge.…

This document summarizes the research done on calculators and calculator use. It is noted that calculators are now seen as acceptable, with fears about use in school currently infrequent, and the role of such devices much more evident than 6 years ago. The first two sections of this material summarize data on use and availability. It is noted that…

Previous studies were conducted with 14- to 15-year-old students on the nature of the processes they used to solve tasks given the incorrect/buggy/mal-rules. The computer-based Leeds Modelling System (LMS) was implemented and a database of examples, correct and incorrect, or mal-rules had been established which was sufficient to diagnose the…

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics curriculum. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

This paper was presented at the 1979 meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in San Francisco. It describes specific examples of calculator-aided mathematics learning activities for children in grades 2-6. These examples illustrate a variety of topics and types of learning which can be enhanced by a range of capabilities of…

This paper, presented at the 1979 meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in San Francisco, discusses the effects of calculator availability on the elementary school mathematics curriculum. The rationale for a shift from a computationally based curriculum to a conceptually oriented curriculum utilizing the calculator as an…

The article includes a brief description of the project "Reckoning with Mathematics." The project is grounded in the belief that reliance in American schools on "textbook as technology" is outdated and counterproductive. A sample student worksheet is included. (PK)

The author addresses two types of classroom activities: strategic games and games of conflict. It is suggested that each has an important role to play in many areas of mathematics. In addition to providing examples of games, the author reflects on the processes involved in using the activities. (PK)

Suggests that the mathematics curriculum for young children can grow from children's literature. Examples given encourage children to use a variety of thinking skills including classifying, forming hypotheses, selecting strategies, and creating problems. (PK)

Discusses the development of problem-oriented mathematics materials for a wide variety of students. Materials include teaching guides, student materials, case studies in mathematical modeling, and project activities. Examples of these materials (including a sports-related activity for students who have not had success in mathematics) are provided.…

A real-life problem involving a greenskeeper needing to know the area of golf greens is presented, with solutions using a scale drawing, Maple's methods, and Heron's formula. Methods are checked with a computer and discussed mathematically. Three computer program listings are included. (MNS)

With a standard geoboard, five pegs by five pegs, how many different triangles can be formed using a single rubber band with the pegs serving as vertices? Discusses ways to solve this problem and offers related problems and some pedagogical considerations (particularly for the teaching of geometry and problem solving). (JN)

It is generally considered that diagram use aids efficacy of math word problem solving. While understanding diagrams is considered important in both New Zealand and Japanese secondary schools, there is an additional emphasis in New Zealand schools for students to appreciate their use as tools for problem solving and communication. This study…