The idea of mathematical camps for bright pupils is discussed. Some activities in such a camp include meetings with scientists, mathematical evenings, brain-teachers, semi-seminars, brainstorming, guiding texts, Olympian club, consultations, adventures, marches, and various games and competitions. These were evaluated by camp participants in…

Confronts a widespread prejudice about mathematical knowledge, that mathematics is "culture-free," by demonstrating alternative constructions of Euclidean geometrical ideas developed from the culture of Mozambique. As well as establishing the educational power of these constructions, the article illustrates the methodology of…

Both industrialized and Third World countries see the need to "multi-culturalize" their mathematics curricula. Following a brief description of the drawing tradition of the Tchokwe people (Angola), some possible uses of their pictograms in the mathematics classroom are suggested. Examples given in this paper include the study of arithmetical…

An experiment is described which started with exploratory interviews, evolved to design and administration of diagnostic tests, and led to the preparation and use of calculator-enriched teaching materials. (MP)

A range of estimation techniques are described, and a series of mental computation procedures based on concepts of measurement and real numbers are presented in detail. (MP)

Typical difficulties involved in solving combinatorial problems are examined and seven common pitfalls are discussed. (MP)

An account is given of the introduction of multiple-choice and other forms of objective testing into the assessment of a first-year university elementary analysis class. (MP)

Suggests a theoretical framework to address some phenomena of mathematical behavior. Defines the terms "pseudo-conceptual" and "pseudo-analytical" and analyzes examples from classrooms, exams, and homework within the framework. (Author/AIM)

Focuses on culture examined in the unique context of South Africa. Makes visible both conceptual difficulties in its formulation and also difficulties with respect to its interpretation into educational practice. Also explores a critique of ethnomathematics using the South African situation and conceptual tools of a critical mathematics education.…

Presents the results of a case study which looked at the mathematics classroom of one teacher trying to teach mathematics with meaning to pupils or lower ability at the secondary level. Contrasts methods of teaching linear equations to a variety of ability levels and uses the Pirie-Kieren model to account for the successful growth in understanding…

Describes how elementary linear algebra can be taught successfully while introducing students to the concept and practice of mathematical proof. Suggests exploring the concept of solvability of linear systems first via the row echelon form (REF). (Author/KHR)

Reports on a study that focused on three teachers and their ways of teaching problem solving. Findings indicate that the participants unconsciously constructed personal metaphors that became the basis of their conceptualization of problems. "Community", "adventure" and "game" were the key metaphors. The outcome…

Investigates students' conceptions and misconceptions relating to the construction of graphs. Qualitative analysis of students' responses identified three main alternative conceptions. Quantitative analyses of the data indicated that overall students did not enter the learning situation as a tabula rasa. Discusses the theoretical and practical…

Analyzes students' productions, taking affective and social factors into account. Uses the technique of virtual monologue to reproduce the student's voice in order to describe as vividly as possible what might be going on in the student's mind during such situations. (AIM)

Presents a framework for assessing probabilistic thinking based on validated data obtained from eight third grade children who served as case studies. Major constructs were sample space, probability of an event, probability comparisons, and conditional probability. Levels of thinking appear to agree with the levels of cognitive functioning…