Explores the extent and nature of students' calculator usage as determined from examination scripts in the Western Australian Calculus Tertiary Entrance Examination. Discusses errors made and understanding called upon for seven questions. Discusses instruction and assessment of skills associated with graphical interpretation. (Author/KHR)

Explores and illustrates the range of ways in which the design of mathematics examination tasks can be influenced by graphics calculators from the perspective of the people designing the exams. Also discusses principles for awarding partial credit to student responses. (Author/PVD)

It is concluded: (1) elementary school students enjoy doing problems, but have trouble thinking them out; (2) students need to work on a variety of types; (3) calculator use can definitely help students become better; and (4) students need experience in group work. Details of the instructional approach used are provided. (MP)

Reviews the use of chi-square statistics for goodness of fit. Examines how to help students relate their earlier work with independence to the use of chi-square statistics. (KHR)

This report documents the results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1992 mathematics assessment and provides comparisons to the findings from a comparable survey conducted in 1990. It serves as a valuable reference volume which presents a diverse array of student, demographic, educational, and background characteristics.…

Students in three grade 7 classes, a grade 6 class and a split grade 5/6 class were provided with calculators for use in their mathematics classes for a period of eight weeks. For the posttest on problem solving the 116 students were randomly assigned to the group using calculators on the posttest or to the group using only paper and pencil. In a…

Eight recommendations for school mathematics in the 1980s are given. These are based partially on results from mathematical assessments and other studies, and are intended to launch a decade of action in mathematics education. For each of the following recommendations, the document includes a short commentary and a series of recommended actions to…

This collection of 10 papers aims to provide teachers at all levels with ideas on a number of important aspects of mathematics education. The Report of the Committee on Inquiry into the Teaching of Mathematics (Cockcroft Report) has provoked wide discussion in England, and the papers examine some contemporary issues in school mathematics in light…

This National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Yearbook shows how NCTM's recommendations for improving mathematics education--contained in the booklet, An Agenda for Action--are being implemented in schools. The 27 articles are grouped under 8 headings, corresponding to the 8 recommendations in the Agenda. The articles apply to all levels…

Promoting community awareness and understanding of the issues encompassed within the teaching and learning of school mathematics, and involving parents in their children's mathematics education are the first steps toward the goal that every child must gain mathematical power. This document helps to answer some of the most frequent questions that…