Solves the problem of defining a smooth piecewise linear approximation to a given function. Discusses some alternative approaches to the problem. (YP)

Qualitative interviews with 20 teachers of students with moderate/severe disabilities determined their use of visual analysis of graphically displayed data to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions. Results indicated that experienced teachers stressed student characteristics or the conditions under which the data were collected,…

Suggests ways in which mathematical models can be presented and developed in the classroom to promote discussion, analysis, and understanding of issues related to energy consumption. Five problems deal with past trends and future projections of availability of a nonrenewable resource, natural gas. (Contains 13 references.) (MDH)

Contends that, despite ongoing criticism, Allen's arc elasticity formula remains entrenched in the microeconomics principles curriculum. Reviews the evolution and continuing scrutiny of the formula. Argues that the use of the geometric mean offers pedagogical advantages over the traditional arithmetic mean approach. (CFR)

Maintains that teachers and textbook graphics follow the same basic pattern in illustrating changes in demand curves when product prices increase. Asserts that the use of computer graphics will enable teachers to be more precise in their graphic presentation of price elasticity. (CFR)

Examines private sign in preschoolers with hearing loss who are rated most and least advanced in literacy development. Teachers and parents/primary caregivers were surveyed to collect data on the use of private sign in these two groups. The majority of children with signing skills exhibited private sign in classroom and home contexts. (37…

Reviews a survey of all Ministries of Education and a sampling of school districts taken to explore whether a French Immersion (FI) teacher shortage exists. Findings indicate a stabilization in the growth rate of immersion programs, a lack of teachers for specialty areas and of teachers specifically trained to teach in immersion. (12 references)…

Compares compact discs (CD-ROMs) and online services in terms of cost of information delivery; system advantages and disadvantages; future possibilities; and role in the National Information Infrastructure. Analysis reveals that CD-ROMs have the lowest information delivery cost and are endorsed by the marketplace as a cost-effective way to deliver…

A classroom exercise to help college students of economics conceptualize, create, and learn from graphs is described. The technique is illustrated with an exercise concerning the concept of supply and demand in consumer markets. Classroom time required for the activity is small, and students become adept at manipulating models without anxiety.…

Reports a study to examine the role of context on the ability to interpret graphs. Graph tests involving 2 ecological contexts were presented to 14- and 15-year-old students (n=23) in the form of an interview. Results indicated how students used their contextual knowledge in interpreting the graphs. (MDH)

Presented is a concrete, realistic way of representing concepts of coordinate geometry. Students represent the coordinates in a living version of a five-by-five square geoboard. Procedures and examples for using this activity are included. (KR)

Tips are given on how and when to use videotaped lessons to provide for continued classroom productivity in spite of anticipated, or even unexpected, absence of the mathematics teacher. In an accompanying article, a graphical approach to determine whether a limit exists is explored with numerous examples and illustrations. (JJK)

Examines research on computers as cognitive enhancers, focusing on applications software that includes spreadsheets, graphing, and databases. Appropriate computer-based problem-solving environments for young children are reviewed, and implications for teachers are suggested. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Explains how teachers can use graphs and graphing concepts when teaching art, language arts, history, social studies, and science. Students can graph the lifespans of the Ninja Turtles' Renaissance namesakes (Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci) or world population growth. (MDM)

Describes a study of eighth graders that examined the effect of the use of a linked multiple representation software program on student conceptions of algebraic functions, including graphing techniques. Results of classroom observations and paper-and-pencil tests are discussed, and the adapted curriculum used in the experiment is described. (17…