Reports on the effects of long-term intervention in the teaching of mathematics through the analysis of standardized test score data over a 9-year period at a K-8 elementary school. Results indicate that a more thoughtful, or conceptually based, approach to elementary mathematics instruction has an overall positive effect on test scores. (28…

Discusses the use of computer graphics to introduce the concepts of derivative and tangent line using the iteration of functions, especially linear functions. (MKR)

Presents examples and reflections hinting at the role of formal thought in the process of knowledge growth. Discusses proof, language, and mathematics; knowledge as form versus development; the difference between concept and object; how mathematical texts can be improved; and geometry and the idea of diagrammatic reasoning. (Contains 36…

School mathematics curriculum worldwide has failed to bridge the gap between school mathematics and out-of-school problem-solving activities. Presented is the need for a mathematics curriculum unifying the civil, academic, bureaucratic, and school social domains to prepare students as functional citizens. (MDH)

Presented are remarks adapted from keynote addresses made by Iris Carl and Shirley Fry at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) 1991 Annual Meeting. Teachers are issued the challenge of implementing the vision of the NCTM's Standards through innovative teaching methods, reevaluating their profession, and creating a community of…

Presents the computation and estimation strands of the "National Statement on Mathematics for Australian Schools." Recommends that the computational curriculum in schools reflect a more balanced time allotment among written, mental, estimating, and calculator computations. (MDH)

This article explains how this method is done, examines some reasons for including it as a topic in mathematics curricula, and uses modular arithmetic to explore its mathematical basis and its generalizability to computations in bases other than 10. (CW)

Discusses the study of identification codes and check-digit schemes as a way to show students a practical application of mathematics and introduce them to coding theory. Examples include postal service money orders, parcel tracking numbers, ISBN codes, bank identification numbers, and UPC codes. (MKR)

Examines why an innovative math curriculum promoted by the math department chair was ultimately rejected by teachers. By the second year, faculty ill will, mistrust, and resentment had begun to undermine the math department's ability to function. Wider participation in the adoption effort was needed. (Contains 16 references.) (MLH)

Examined the evaluation and implementation of standards-based curricular materials by middle school mathematics teachers over two years. Data from classroom observations, conferences, field notes, surveys, and interviews indicated that teachers' experiences, professional knowledge bases, work contexts, and personal theories on effective teaching…

Presents a brief discussion of the challenges presented to mathematics education by changes in social dependence on mathematics, in professional response to the needs of students, in institutional expectations of students and teachers, and in student demographics and expectations. Provides an extended outline for a syllabus used to clearly…

Discusses the development of Math Attack, a project designed to make middle school mathematics engaging, fun, and useful to middle school students by involving them in problems solving. Describes the effect of the project in helping students learn to think and communicate mathematically and helping teachers develop skill and confidence. (JPB)

Describes a teaching method that employs a variety of techniques--including psychology--to reduce math anxiety in basic skills math classes. States that when these types of efforts were made to reduce math anxiety, students received more satisfactory grades and fewer repeats and unsatisfactories. (NB)

A survey of 36 primary-level teachers from five schools for the deaf found that most reported presenting mathematical story problems 1-3 times per week, and presentation method tended to reflect school communication philosophy. Trends in story problem presentation were found to be in accordance with the mathematics grade level taught. (Contains…

Tested effects of a structured intervention in teaching children to represent addition and subtraction. Found significant differences between two study groups in terms of affecting the addition and subtraction operations and ability to determine which operation was appropriate. Results suggest children's exploration of real world situations should…