The student placement test in English as a Second Language used for the Eurocentres schools in the United Kingdom differs from traditional placement tests in that it is a vocabulary test and does not attempt to measure other aspects of learner knowledge of English. The test attempts to measure absolute size of the learner's English vocabulary. The…

This paper considers, from a theoretical point of view, two measurement approaches used in measuring success and failure in skills tests in physical education. The first, "fixed length" (FL) testing, entails counting the number of successful performances in a fixed number of trials. The second, "trials-to-criterion" (TTC)…

This paper presents a laboratory exercise in which an integration problem is applied to cinematography, without the need for apparatus. The problem situation is about the oscillation control of a camera platform to attain the contrast angular rate of objects. Wave equations for describing the oscillations are presented and an expression for…

A laboratory experiment, based on a simple electric circuit that can be used to demonstrate the existence of real-world "related rates" problems, is outlined and an equation for voltage across the capacitor terminals during discharge is derived. The necessary materials, setup methods, and experimental problems are described. A student laboratory…

In most mathematics problem solving work, students' motivation comes from trying to please their teachers or to earn a good grade. The questions students must tackle are almost never generated by their own interest. Seven open-ended college algebra-level problems are presented in which the solution of one question suggests other related questions.…

This study examined the effects of the locus of three computer assisted instruction (CAI) strategies on the accuracy and efficiency of mathematics rule and application learning of 47 low-achieving seventh grade students in remedial mathematics classes. The instructional task was a mathematics rule lesson concerning divisibility by the numbers two,…

The purposes of the study were to (1) compare the academic performance of students entering the School of Business Administration from within the University of Washington with those transferring from another institution, and (2) equate the two groups statistically on admission criteria if significances were found. Transcripts were obtained for 229…

This area package emphasizes three facets: (1) the concept of area as a covering; (2) the square unit; and (3) formula development. There are two enrichment activities included. The first requires the aid of a programmable calculator or computer. (Author/MK)

Methods and results relevant to the introduction of item characteristic curve (ICC) models into classroom achievement testing are provided. The overall objective was to compare several common ICC models for item calibration and test equating in a classroom examination system. Parameters for the one-, two- and three-parameter logistic ICC models…

This instructional unit is designed to serve as an introduction to algebra. True and false mathematical sentences are first presented with open sentences to introduce the use of a variable. Inequalities, formulas, and graphs are the next major concepts discussed. The unit concludes with six projects that attempt to tie the major concepts together.…

Presents results of an investigation of a formula for rank correlation. The exploration turned up an unexpected connection and showed the formula to be far from arbitrary. (PK)

Suggests that in the mathematics classroom the federal income tax may serve as a familiar example to illustrate several aspects of the mathematical concept of function. (PK)

Argues that exploring a familiar topic or examination question in a novel manner is a useful way to find topics for mathematical investigation in the classroom. The example used to illustrate the premise is a quadratic equation. (PK)

This section provides mathematical activities in reproducible formats appropriate for students in grades 8-10. The activity is designed to provide an experience in model building while developing the concept of slope. (PK)

It has been suggested that IQ's of gifted children resemble parents less than do people in general. This finding may have been an artifact of the particular estimator of the regression coefficient used. An unbiased estimator is introduced and shows that gifted children resemble parents more than persons in general. (Author/RD)