Reasons why mathematics teachers should teach writing are discussed. Getting started by including an essay question on a test is proposed and suggestions on giving feedback are noted. (MNS)

Described are computer program packages requiring little or no knowledge of computer programing for college algebra, calculus, and abstract algebra. Widely available computer algebra systems are listed. (MNS)

Excerpts from the April 1950 issue of this journal, focusing on the teaching of geometry, are presented. The concern is its lack of importance in the curriculum. (MNS)

This paper demonstrates how calculators may be used to motivate a concept called infinite composition of functions. Several mathematical topics, such as continued square roots, continued fractions, and infinite products are treated and discussed as special cases. (Author/MK)

A look at the history and nature of mathematics education and instruction, a review of the current status and ongoing evolution of mathematics, and a glance at what the future may hold are all covered in this document. (MP)

A method for sketching functions and finding slopes and roots rising synthetic division is illustrated. (MK)

A generalized method of synthetic division where the divisor polynomial may be of any degree equal to or larger than 1, and the dividend polynomial may be of equal or larger degree than the divisor polynomial and a generalization of the familiar remainder theorem, are presented. (Author/MK)

This look at old mathematics textbooks is designed to provide interesting insights into earlier historical periods as well as a different, sometimes amusing, perspective on current practices. (MK)

A discussion of what constitutes proof is given. Methods of teaching proof in a more intuitive and informal way than is usually done are suggested. (MK)

The author argues that the idea of canonical elements provides a coherent relationship between equivalence relations, the basis of modern approaches to too many mathematical topics, and the traditional aspect of computation. Examples of equivalent relations, canonical elements, and their calculations are given. (MK)

Six math units for middle and upper grades--banking, transportation, taxes, budgeting, shopping and pricing and advertising. (Editor)

Reports on anecdotal evidence gained from interviews with university engineering lecturers which supports the theory that basic mathematical deficiencies in engineering students originate from the National Curriculum. Argues that the system is failing the students, not that the students are failing the system. A survey also illustrates the lack of…

Examines problem-solving results among second-grade students in three schools that were all using a reformed mathematics curriculum. Except for one problem, more students used a mental procedure than the standard written algorithms, and both methods were used with approximately the same degree of accuracy. (AIM)

Offers problems involving baseball to give students the opportunity to utilize the technology of a graphing calculator such as the TI-82 to work on the area of statistics. Gives step-by-step instructions as well as explanations. (AIM)

Identifies seven new axes (or dimensions) of variation in mathematics education analogous to the formal-informal and instructionist-constructivist dimensions. (AIM)