The uses of random number generators are illustrated in three ways: (1) the solution of a probability problem using a coin; (2) the solution of a system of simultaneous linear equations using a die; and (3) the approximation of pi using darts. (MP)

The third volume of the 24th annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education contains full research report papers. Papers include: (1) "Mathematics classrooms functioning as communities of inquiry: Possibilities and constraints for changing practice" (Susie Groves, Brian Doig, and Laurance Splitter); (2)…

Euler's famous formula, e to the (i, pi) power equals -1, is developed by a purely algebraic method that avoids the use of both trigonometry and calculus. A heuristic outline is given followed by the rigorous theory. Pedagogical considerations for classroom presentation are suggested. (LS)

The study was designed to enhance teachers' understating of students' learning by using assessment tasks. Four third-grade teachers and the researcher collaboratively set up a school-based assessment team in the two-year Assessment Practices in Mathematics Classroom project that assisted teachers in implementing assessment as integral part of…

Contained in this column are articles discussing the following topics: cross-number puzzles, an intuitive development of pi, a three-column proof format, and an easily constructed kit to be used in acquainting students with the wrapping function used in introducing circular functions. (MP)

The repeating cyclic fraction, 1/7, provides a plausible explanation for use of the number 71.428571 (71 and 3/7) in cosmology; for 22/7 as a value for pi; and for concepts of time and circle division related to breaths per minute. (Author/MKR)

It is difficult for students to unlearn misconceptions that have been unknowingly reinforced by teachers. The examples "multiplication makes bigger,""pi equals 22/7," and the use of counter examples to demonstrate the numerical property of closure are discussed as potential areas where misconceptions are fostered. (MDH)

The evolution of Archimedes' method is traced from its geometrical beginning as a means to approximate pi to its modern version as an analytical technique for evaluating inverse circular and hyperbolic functions. It is felt the web of old and new algorithms provides considerable instructional material, and ideas are offered. (MP)

Most currently used measures of inter-rater agreement for the nominal case incorporate a correction for "chance agreement." The definition of chance agreement is not the same for all coefficients, however. Three chance-corrected coefficients are Cohen's Kappa; Scott's Pi; and the S index of Bennett, Goldstein, and Alpert, which has reappeared in…

After many years as a high school mathematics teacher, administrator, university professor, and philosopher of education, the author's inclination in answering this question (what can teachers learn from research?) is to say, "not much." If one is looking for a recipe-like answer to questions about how to teach fractions, reading, spelling, or…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) supported more than 600 inservice teacher training programs between 1984 and 1989 under its Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP). Two studies were undertaken of TEP: the first was a survey of the 600 Principal Investigators (PIs) who had operated inservice teacher enhancement projects and the second, a survey of…

This is a series of research projects that can be used for enrichment of the high school mathematics curriculum. It is suggested that the topics are either not found in the standard curriculum or represent a more indepth study of standard topics. The areas considered are: applications of the microcomputer in mathematics; the fourth dimension and…

This study documents the effects of participation in the Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP) of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF awarded more than 600 grants to scientists, mathematicians, and educators to develop and operate inservice teacher training programs between 1984 and 1989. The present study focuses specifically upon the…

This publication contains the substance of all papers submitted at the fall 1974 Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England (ATMNE) conference. As the title indicates, the focus of the publication is directed toward mathematical applications. The 25 papers cover topics ranging from applications at the elementary school level to those…

The sixteen chapters of this book provide the core material for the Elements of Mathematics Program, a secondary sequence developed for highly motivated students with strong verbal abilities. The sequence is based on a functional-relational approach to mathematics teaching, and emphasizes teaching by analysis of real-life situations. This text is…