Depending on their programming knowledge, students can become involved with the use of the computer in the construction and analysis of mathematical models, either through observing and/or interacting with a model developed by a programmer, or by becoming involved in the process of constructions and testing of models. The Bush-Mosteller Simple…

Three different strategies of choosing items for presentation in a simple list learning situation are compared. The instructional task was to teach the correct response to a number of stimulus items, using a paired-associate teaching procedure. Only one item could be presented on a given trial and the total number of trials was limited. The…

A classification of the simple combinatorial configurations which correspond to various cases of distribution and ordering of objects into boxes is given (in French). Concrete descriptions, structured relations, translations, and formalizations are discussed. (MNS)

Discusses a classroom-teaching example provided in this issue. Comments that teachers, using curricular materials and activities, adapt, elaborate on, or invent the context of learning in ways that ensure that students study important central concepts in science and mathematics, and that the understandings students develop are accurate and rich.…

Discusses the role of context problems as they are used in the Dutch approach known as realistic mathematics education (RME). Uses an RME design for a calculus course to illustrate that theory based on the design heuristic using context problems and modeling, which was developed for primary school mathematics, also fits advanced topics such as…

Observes four groups of mathematics undergraduates carrying out a mathematical modeling exercise of a familiar physical process (the cooling of a cup of hot water). Indicates that students neither took the time to reflect upon the physical process nor to reflect on the appropriateness of the model they produced. Recommends that classroom…

As geometry involves lot of graphics, it acts as a link between mathematical model and real-world phenomena. An effective tool like geometry software can help students to explore the ellipse.

In the paper the results of an empirical study, which has evaluated the development of mathematical literacy in an innovative teaching programme, are presented. The theoretical approach of mathematical literacy relies strongly on applications and modelling and the study follows the approach of R. Bybee, who develops a theoretical concept of…

The aim of this series of four articles is to look critically, and in some detail, at the primary strategy approach to written calculation, as set out on pages 5 to 16 of the "Guidance paper" "Calculation." The underlying principle of that approach is that children should use mental methods whenever they are appropriate, whereas for calculations…

The idea of using mathematical research in the classroom to collect real data has been spoken about within education for many years. The question is, why should teachers bother with real data from their students' worlds and how do they actually put it into practice in the classroom? When using the mathematical research strategy for collecting,…

The relationship between mathematics and chemistry has been changing rapidly in recent years. Some chemistry teachers have experienced difficulties in their teaching with the introduction of modern mathematics in the schools. Some suggestions for reinforcing the concepts and language of modern mathematics are put forth. (Author/MA)

In the process of fitting a quantitative synthesis model, the assumption of homogeneous effect size variation is assessed via omnibus test statistics. Graphical representations of data on techniques for teaching composition skills are used to help determine the extent to which sample estimates deviate from modeled population estimates. (TJH)

Presents examples of direct modeling and invented strategies of students for problem solving. Teachers are encouraged to capitalize on children's abilities to use these invented strategies and in time guide the student toward a standard, more efficient strategy. (AIM)

Investigates issues of mathematics instruction of problems in blocks. Discusses the best way to construct mathematical problems with connections to one another as parts of a coherent whole and how to reflect on the types of connections that can arise between them. (Author/KHR)