Presents four sets of activities to develop the concepts of data analysis and graphing. Students estimate sample populations using beans, examine graphs from newspapers and magazines, predict the most popular color of cars, and simulate quality control in a manufacturing process. (MDH)

Reports on the graphing work of children, aged eight and nine years, who have access to portable computers across the curriculum. Describes two learning sequences: in one, the children collected data and then explored the computer graphing facilities; and in the other, graphing is used iteratively as an integral part of the ongoing task.…

Examines results from a comparative study of the strategies of distance and classroom foreign language learners (French, German, Japanese, and Chinese) enrolled in a dual-mode institution. Data on strategy use was collected through a questionnaire and the yoked subject technique. Results indicate that mode of study is the predominant influence on…

A salary-growth model is presented as a practical solution to the problem of compensating teachers equitably. An empirical validation using data from 24,785 California teachers, 15,233 Ohio teachers, and 5,489 South Carolina teachers demonstrates the general applicability of the model. A scenario for model use is presented. (SLD)

A study determined the abilities of students to interpret and represent graphs by asking 15-year-old female students (n=10) to write stories to accompany any 3 of 12 graphs presented. Results indicated that the students were not able to accurately relate real life situations to graphical forms. (MDH)

Discussed is the place and teaching of trigonometry in a NCTM Standards-based mathematics curriculum. Presented is how these standards can be implemented in a technology-rich environment that encourages reasoning, communication, problem solving, and confidence building. Examples focus on functions, graphical sense, modeling, and identities. (KR)

The relationship between a teacher's knowledge of mathematics and instructional practice was investigated by videotaping an experienced fifth grade teacher giving a lesson on functions and graphing. A subject-matter knowledge interview and card sort task were used with the teacher and a mathematics educator, indicating areas of weakness. (SLD)

A nonparametric multicategorical model for multiple-choice data is proposed as an extension of the binary spline model of J. O. Ramsay and M. Abrahamowicz (1989). Results of two Monte Carlo studies illustrate the model, which approximates probability functions by rational splines. (SLD)

Discussion of graphing software for educational purposes focuses on a study in which three versions of an original computer graphing program were used by inner-city high school students to solve scientific data analysis problems. Variations in degrees of flexibility and feedback in the software are explored. (Contains 37 references.) (LRW)

A list of potential writing ideas and general guidelines to be used in integrating writing into the mathematics classroom are provided. Ideas under the headings of narrative, descriptive, and expository writing are included. (KR)

Item parameter estimates derived through item response theory methods have been considered relatively robust to changes in item position and context, but the anomaly in reading scores from the 1986 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) illustrates problems with common population equating procedures when there are test form changes.…

An experiment in which students collect and analyze data on the population size of a real organism rather that on a model is presented. The activity allows for the integration of mathematics, graphing techniques, and the use of computers. The lesson is designed to follow the learning cycle format. (KR)

Discusses the need at the University of Southern Mississippi library to review resource allocations among serials, monographs and standing orders, and to select an allocation formula. The supply and demand formula used, its implementation, and results in departmental purchasing power are described. (four references) (EA)

Discusses the findings of multicultural research using the Learning Style Inventory and the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey. Differences in learning style among students and young adults of differing ethnic groups, between male and female students, between high achievers and underachievers, and between the gifted and nongifted are…

A conceptual approach and a set of computer simulations are presented to demonstrate that random measurement error in the pretest does not bias the estimate of the treatment effect in the regression-discontinuity design. Focus is on the case of no interaction between pretest and treatment on posttest. (SLD)