Teachers can use geometric patterns to promote students' understanding of functional relationships. In this article, the authors first look at a problem-solving process that supports the use of figural reasoning to explore and interpret geometric pattern tasks and generalize function rules. Second, the authors discuss a framework for…

Students need time and experience to develop essential understandings when they explore data analysis. In this article, the reader gains insight into confusion that may result as students think about summarizing information about a categorical data set that is attempting to use, in particular, the median. The authors highlight points to consider…

Describes an investigation that focuses on comparing data sets by using data on 37 brands of peanut butter and their quality ratings. (ASK)

Argues that the way in which students solve a particular problem can be analyzed to gain insight into how students think about the mathematics involved. Discusses the use of knowledge gained from listening to student conversations about their strategies to orchestrate classroom discussions. (ASK)

Focuses on the role of graphs as part of the statistical investigation process. Recommends that teachers explore students' thinking in terms of what it says about their graph sense. Suggests that teachers take time to reflect on how their thinking may be changing as they listen more closely to their students. Contains 17 references. (DDR)