In this conference proceedings the overarching theme of research on teaching and learning mathematics in diverse settings and the subthemes of diversity, constructivism and algebra are achieved in the plenary papers. The plenary papers and authors include "Constructivist, Emergent, and Sociocultural Perspectives in the Context of Developmental…

This unit is 1 of 12 developed for the university classroom portion of the Mathematics-Methods Program (MMP), created by the Indiana University Mathematics Education Development Center (MEDC) as an innovative program for the mathematics training of prospective elementary school teachers (PSTs). Each unit is written in an activity format that…

This unit is 1 of 12 developed for the university classroom portion of the Mathematics-Methods Program (MMP), created by the Indiana University Mathematics Education Development Center (MEDC) as an innovative program for the mathematics training of prospective elementary school teachers (PSTs). Each unit is written in an activity format that…

This article describes how students investigated numerical data resulting from an engineering experiment as a way to develop understanding of reciprocal functions. (Contains 7 figures.)

Japanese prefer odd numbers, whereas Westerners emphasize even numbers, an observation that is clear from the distribution of number-related words in Japanese and English dictionaries. In this article, the author explains why these two cultures differ by surveying the history of numbers, including yin-yang thought from ancient China, ancient Greek…

This paper presents a qualitative study that investigated two third-grade students' understanding of number. The children were videotaped while they worked to record everything they knew about the number, 72. Their artifacts and conversations were then analyzed using the Pirie-Kieren dynamical theory for the growth of mathematical understanding as…

This article describes the experiences of a group of primary-grade students and their teacher as they explore negative numbers over the course of two years. It is just one example of how a problem-solving environment contributes to discussion and understanding in mathematics. (Contains 3 figures.)

The modular exponentiation, y[equivalent to]x[superscript k](mod n) with x,y,k,n integers and n [greater than] 1; is the most fundamental operation in RSA and ElGamal public-key cryptographic systems. Thus the efficiency of RSA and ElGamal depends entirely on the efficiency of the modular exponentiation. The same situation arises also in elliptic…

This article describes how children learn the basic addition and subtraction facts, why many have difficulty mastering these basic skills, and what teachers can do to prevent or overcome these learning difficulties.

This guide is designed to help classroom teachers implement the Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics K-12. It is inclusive also of the objectives tested by the Stanford Achievement Tests and the Alabama Basic Competency Tests. One characteristic of the curriculum guide is that it clearly states what students should learn in each grade level. These…

Utilizing word problems relevant to automotive mechanics, this workbook presents a concept-oriented approach to competency development in 13 areas of basic mathematics: (1) the expression of numbers as figures and words; (2) the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; (3) scientific notation;…

This module is an introduction to traditional mathematics in Africa. A lesson plan is presented which explores the significance of words in the African number systems and compares them to American mathematical systems. Number words in four African languages are given as examples to illustrate base 5, 10, and 20 systems. Some words have been…

This publication is designed to help teachers increase awareness of multicultural issues for all students while making science and mathematics more relevant and approachable to children of color. The activities presented in this book are both multicultural and hands-on; they are discoveries to be made by the reader. They will allow teachers and…

This document is a collection of over 200 classroom-ready activities which cover the five strands--Number, Space, Measurement, Chance and Data, and Problem Solving--outlined in Mathematics: A Curriculum Profile for Australian Schools. Each activity is a separate photocopy master, the front for the students to use and the back an assessment page…

This article reports the results of a questionnaire applied to secondary school students (n=35) to explore efficiency in the resolution of equations in the domain of whole numbers and the spontaneous responses to problems leading to negative solutions. The most significant results obtained with the questionnaire are the lack of knowledge of the…