Based on research on the geometric understanding of regular and gifted middle school students, this article describes a procedure for assessing geometry readiness in mathematically able middle school students. The procedure utilizes the vanHiele model of stages of geometric understanding and distinguishes between readiness for algebra and…

Explains how a spreadsheet can be an effective modeling and simulation tool for studying electrical circuits. Highlights include Kirchoff's rules and matrices algebra; a pilot experiment with preservice teacher education students in a physics class; the teacher's role; student attitudes; curricular aspects; and the effectiveness of the spreadsheet…

This document consists of the two issues of the "AMATYC Review" published during volume year 1997-1998. Designed as an avenue of communication for mathematics educators concerned with the views, ideas, and experiences of two-year college students and teachers, this journal contains articles on mathematics exposition and education, and regularly…

Presque Isle (Maine) High School has offered a section of all-girls algebra for seven years. The intent was to narrow the gap between 11th-grade boys' and girls' math achievement scores and create a more comfortable learning atmosphere for girls. The achievement score gap has decreased from 72 to 16 points. (MLH)

Discusses the application of the theory of contingent tutoring to the design of a computer-based system for algebra. Considers help seeking and analyzes interactions between secondary school students and the computer-based tutoring system to explore the relations between individual differences in learner-tutor interaction, learner's prior…

Describes a partnership that was formed to develop a fiber optic interactive network and its interface with the development of algebra curriculum and social services in the PATH (Partnership for Access to Higher) Mathematics project in Texas. Equipment connections, costs, and classroom layout are described; and social work components are…

The papers collected in this volume are intended both to present a summary 'history' and description of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS) and to illustrate a variety of approaches to the analysis of the data that emerged from SIMS. The papers are intended…

Despite the effectiveness of computer-mediated instructional (CMI) materials, relatively little use is made of technology in mainstream college teaching. This article examines why CMI materials are not widely used; the mediated learning model that embeds CMI materials within a computer-mediated, communication-rich instructional environment; and…

The Diagnostic Testing and Prescription model, developed by the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (MD), was implemented in seven sixth-grade classes at three Brooklyn schools. The selected 165 students were provided an accelerated curriculum (covering arithmetic, prealgebra, and in some cases, algebra) and completed from 1-2.5…

Outlines a course at the University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom in which a computer algebra system (CAS) teaches mathematical modeling. The format is based on continual assessment of group and individual work stating the problem, a feature list, and formulation of the models. No additional mathematical word processing package is necessary.…

Academic Systems Corporation is successfully producing courseware in beginning, intermediate, and college algebra using mediated learning, which provides students with instruction and exercises and teachers with feedback on student progress. The courses present students with real-world problems to solve. Users find the courses pedagogically sound…

Algebridge, the first phase of a University of Arizona project (PRIME) to promote higher education among minority middle school students, makes algebra more accessible by smoothing students' transition to abstract thinking and pinpointing potentially frustrating concepts. The program helps at-risk youngsters dispel their fear of math and clear the…

Demonstrates the use of technology to enhance the appreciation of applications involving abstract algebra. The symbolic manipulator Maple can perform computations required for a linear cryptosystem. One major benefit of this process is that students can encipher and decipher messages using a linear cryptosystem without becoming confused and…

For years, College Board has been promoting and publicizing necessary pathways to postsecondary education. Even bolder step is EQUITY 2000--demanding program of prealgebra, algebra, and geometry designed to ensure minority students' success in vigorous high school mathematics programs. Pacesetter initiative aims to make high-standards curriculum,…

Presents a history of undergraduate math-education programs and provides results of an action-research experience in a college-algebra course setting. Argues that historical record emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and applications of mathematics, and that present-day instructors should communicate the historical and practical reasons…