ERIC Number: ED232846
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Jun-30
Pages: 42
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Prototype Microcomputer Courseware for Teaching High School Algebra. Final Report.
Dugdale, Sharon; Kibbey, David
This project used an "intrinsic models" approach to develop a sample of microcomputer materials on graphing linear and quadratic equations and on recognition of general functional relationships. The "intrinsic models" approach uses motivating activities which are direct expressions of the underlying mathematics. The area of graphing was chosen because it is basic to scientific applications as well as to further work in pure mathematics. In addition, it is an area where tests indicate poor performance on the part of large numbers of students. The materials produced by this project deal with qualitative as well as quantitative aspects of graphs. Materials were developed in conjunction with student use in local public schools. Evaluation was largely formative, revolving around on-site observation of students, student interviews, and teacher interviews. Criterion-referenced test results from an informal (and incomplete) trial with the finished materials indicated that students learned well the concepts they had an opportunity to study. Descriptions of materials as presented in the instructor's manuals published with the programs are also provided. The first set of programs deals with graphing equations. The second set, recommended for high school mathematics/science or college science courses, helps students make meaningful interpretations of graphs of physical phenomena. (Author/JN)
Descriptors: Algebra, College Science, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Programs, Equations (Mathematics), Graphs, High Schools, Instructional Materials, Material Development, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Instruction, Microcomputers, Science Education, Secondary School Mathematics, Secondary School Science
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Illinois Univ., Urbana. Computer-Based Education Research Lab.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A