There are many recent studies which have explored the notion of high quality or effective mathematics teaching but relatively few have sought the views of students. Student perspectives regarding effective teaching are important for many reasons, and are arguably particularly significant in mathematics given the international trends of declining…

The authors have been conducting research with early career secondary mathematics teachers in metropolitan Sydney, focusing particularly on the professional experiences of student teachers. As part of the research, 12 supervising teachers were visited at their schools. Seven of them were interviewed individually about their role in developing the…

This case study describes an "out of field" teacher's use of the Internet to teach a range of mathematical topics in a modified Year 8 mathematics class. It highlights the importance of three factors for implementing a discernible web-based teaching strategy: appropriate choice of web objects, effective "virtual" pedagogy, and technical support…

Streaming (or ability grouping) for mathematics learning is a contentious issue. It can also be considered an issue of equity or social justice as some students may be adversely affected by the practice. Currently, the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) does not appear to have clear guidelines on streaming.…

A study was undertaken to implement a series of chance games and activities in a Year 7 classroom, and investigate the students' knowledge about probability concepts, as well as their attitudes to chance. Initially, the project involved selecting a set of appropriate learning activities to develop key probability concepts which are integral to the…

In this article, we report findings from a study in which the daily lives of novice and experienced secondary mathematics teachers in Victoria were tracked. Two novice and two experienced teachers were also interviewed. Data collection focused on the activities the teachers undertook in and out of working hours, and their reactions to them. The…

Presents the results of a study that aimed to incorporate a wide range of problem posing situations into students' problem solving in a classroom project with mathematically-able students in the first two years of secondary school. (Contains 15 references.) (ASK)

Introduces two methods of introducing trigonometry: ratio method and unit circle method. Presents a teaching experiment with two groups of students, half of whom were taught with ratio method and the other half with unit circle method. Concludes that ratio method students were better able to master the skills required and made greater improvements…

Presents a case study on how students fail to learn mathematics and leave school with a dislike of math. Describes the use of metaphors in changing attitudes towards mathematics. (Contains 18 references.) (ASK)

Results from a British study on Strategies and Errors in Secondary Mathematics are considered. Students' views of algebra and their difficulties are summarized, with some suggestions for teachers. (MNS)

Research on metacognition is reviewed. Suggestions for adopting a metacognitive approach in the classroom are discussed. (ML)

Presented are statistics and analyses for 1970-1985 related to school enrollments and mathematics enrollments in Australia. Implications for the 1990s are considered. (RH)

The reactions of a group of Australian high school girls to playing the educational game "Equations" were gauged by a questionnaire and a standardized mathematics test. Attitudes were positive and some achievement gain was found. (MP)

A brief review is given of some recent investigations into the use of mathematics in industry. Questionnaires and observations are each discussed plus the development of curriculum materials in several projects. (MNS)

Research findings on the impact of language and studies with bilingual students learning mathematics are summarized. Suggestions for taking account of the influence of culture on learning, language switching, encouraging bilingualism, and supportive environments are discussed, with 13 implications presented. (MNS)