An overview of the disadvantages and advantages of the mini-calculator in the public school classroom. While some educators fear students won't learn basic arithmetic and will become dependent on the calculator, others note its value in skill reinforcement, motivation, job preparation, and saving time in the classroom. (SB)

Discusses the possible impact of the electronic calculator on mathematics teaching. A short account of the use of calculators at present in the United Kingdom (UK) and a list of references are also included. (HM)

Algorithmic and investigative approaches to mathematics are compared and discussed. Their mutually contradictory spirit is explored. Examples of the application of each method to a mathematics problem are presented. (CW)

Described is an activity in which students calculate constant velocity using a tape cassette player. The objectives, procedures, graphing directions, and formulas and values needed for the calculations are included. (KR)

Presented are suggestions for increasing the efficient use of the transition board while reducing its overall size. Discussed are the construction and preparation of the boards. Teaching addition and subtraction using these materials is described. (CW)

Examined is the situation in which pupils invent mathematics on their own and teachers' reactions to this situation. The assimilation of students' original ideas into correct mathematical concepts is discussed. (CW)

Discusses the use of calculators to calculate multiple operations. Describes calculating procedures and provides four different types of examples. (YP)

Discussed are some objections to using calculators in mathematics instruction and testing. Indicates that many commercially available tests do not permit the use of a calculator. Several steps to facilitate the use of calculators are suggested. (YP)

Studies of word problem solving of story problems are reviewed and six immature strategies commonly used by elementary and junior high school students are highlighted. Suggested are some recommendations for mathematics instruction. (YP)

Explores some classic Fibonacci problems with the aid of AppleWorks spreadsheets calculations. Provides problems and spreadsheets for solving them. (Author/YP)

Interviews with (n=55) children and their teachers in years one, two, and three showed a closer association between knowledge of place value and levels of counting than between levels of counting and the ability to explain the counting sequence. (13 references) (MKR)

Investigates the probability of winning the largest prize at Bingo through a series of five simpler problems. Investigations are conducted with the aid of either BASIC computer programs, spreadsheets, or a computer algebra system such as Mathematica. Provides sample data tables to illustrate findings. (MDH)

Prior studies indicate that, given time to develop their own algorithms, primary students will process multidigit addition or subtraction problems from left to right. Gives evidence to support that idea, describes methods of getting students to invent their own algorithms, and discusses advantages of child-invented procedures. (21 references) (MDH)

Describes a form of adaptive communication, referred to as single switch technology, as a method for assessing and developing mathematics skills of speech and motor disabled students. Provides a BASIC program to illustrate a basic single switch mathematics program. (MDH)

Analyzed students' reasoning with fractions. Found that skilled students applied strategies specifically tailored to restricted classes of fractions and produced reliable solutions with a minimum of computation effort. Results suggest that competent reasoning depends on a knowledge base that includes numerically specific and invented strategies,…