If the purpose of secondary schooling is to educate the upcoming generation to become active participants in society, evaluation of teaching and learning in the information-rich digital age should be underpinned by relevant theories and models. This article describes an evaluation tool developed using emerging ideas about knowledge creation and…

Several approaches to the teaching of matrices are discussed. (SD)

A sample of novel verbal problems which can be solved by using systems of linear equations with free variables is presented. The procedure of Gaussian elimination is used to solve the system. (KR)

Examples for determining the equation of a line through two points or a quadratic function that contains three noncollinear points are presented. (MNS)

A variety of examples are given from different areas of biology to illustrate the general applicability of matrix algebra to discrete models. These models of biological systems are concerned with relations between processes occurring in discrete time intervals. Diffusion, ecosystems, and different types of cells are modeled. (KR/Author)

Discusses representations in the context of solving a system of linear equations. Views representations (concrete, tables, graphs, algebraic, matrices) from perspectives of understanding, technology, generalization, exact versus approximate solution, and learning style. (KHR)

Presents a short study of proper values of two-by-two matrices with real entries. Gives examples of symmetric matrices and applications to systems of linear equations of perpendicular lines intersecting at the origin and central conics rotated about the origin to eliminate the xy term from its equation. (MDH)

Constructing a matrix model not only offers the teacher a theoretical and practical method for organizing his own knowledge about a topic, but provides a vehicle for the student to cope with contemporary knowledge explosion in a realistic and sophisticated manner. (Author)

Game theory is appropriate as a topic for an honors seminar for high school students. Matrices provide a model for analyzing certain situations involving conflict, and probability theory can be used to determine the best strategies for the players. Variations on the ancient game of morra are discussed. (MNS)

Abstract ideas in linear algebra are illustrated at different levels of difficulty through the investigation of the solution to a well-known puzzle. Matrices are used to model the puzzle and the concepts of rank, underdetermined systems, and consistency are employed in the solution to the problem. (MDH)

Included in this column are Star Trek, a geometric construction problem; a simplified approach to correlation using scattergrams; a calculus problem concerning second derivatives for extreme values; and a note on integration by parts. (MNS)

Classroom activities for directing student inquiry into the role of the individual in the future are provided in this text. Activities are presented within a framework of respect for and understanding of the past and the present. A matrix for the study of the individual as a whole person is presented. The matrix is devised along the present, past,…