Describes how using spreadsheets helped seventh grade algebra students develop problem-solving skills. Topics include the functional dualism of the spreadsheet as a text, uniting enactive and numeric modeling of word problems, new meanings and reciprocal learning, learning through problem "posing," higher levels of thinking, and decreasing…

Middle school prealgebra students (n=157) learned about functions in a 20-day unit that emphasized: (1) representing problems in multiple formats, (2) anchoring learning in a meaningful thematic context, and (3) discussing problem-solving processes in cooperative groups. They produced smaller pretest-to-posttest gains on symbol manipulation tasks,…

As part of an effort to improve community college algebra students' ability to solve word problems, a study was undertaken at Florida's Manatee Community College to determine the effects of using heuristic instruction (i.e., providing general rules for solving different types of math problems) in combination with the TI-92 calculator. The TI-92…

Describes a study performed to assess the impact of homework collection in college intermediate algebra courses. Two groups of students (n=108) were evaluated: one group did not turn in homework assignments and one did. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the number of A's earned, with the latter group performing…

An individualized Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) mastery learning format was offered to sections of Fundamentals of Mathematics and Basic Algebra courses over four semesters (two academic years). The effectiveness of this method compared to a traditional lecture approach was examined in the areas of passing the course, passing the final…

Theoretical tools from cognitive science were used to put together a framework for a fine-grained theory of how students learn elementary algebra in the classroom. Developing the framework included assessing the shortcomings of current models, evaluating whether unified theories of cognition can be adapted for learning mathematics in the…

The typical path of instruction in high school algebra courses for the study of polynomial functions has been from linear functions, to quadratic functions, to polynomial functions of degree greater than two. This paper reports results of clinical interviews with an Algebra II student. The interviews were used to probe into the student's…

Three experiments investigated the ability of 79 college students to solve similar algebra word problems. Data indicate that students are able to perceive and use similarities in such problems at the level of a conceptual structure. A training session to explain relevant structural principles was effective in improving performance. (SLD)

Presents the findings of a study on the learning experiences of undergraduates enrolled in a writing-intensive algebra course. The study revealed that writing activities are successful in terms of facilitating student comprehension of mathematical content. The use of words allows student writers to gain ownership of the algebraic content. (DDR)

Multi-line-multi-operation calculators such as the TI-80 provide eighth-grade prealgebra and algebra students with significantly better computational tools for basic order-of-operation problems involving integers and signed rational numbers than do calculators offering only last-entry-or-result displays. Effects are more apparent for weaker…

Reports on a study in which three volunteer teachers helped design and then taught an experimental program of introductory differential calculus in which students had full access to calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) in the classroom, at home, and during tests. Test scores indicated that the classes had learned similar amounts of…

Reports the results of research conducted to investigate the relationship between involvement in learning mathematics and achievement as measured by test scores and course grades. Finds that attendance is the one measure of effort most closely related to success in developmental mathematics. Indicates that academic autonomy was consistently…

Details the authors' investigation of journal writing in first-year algebra and unveils journal writing's connections with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics. (MKR)

Achievement in Mathematics (AIM), an algebra class at Lexington Community College, has successfully demonstrated the benefits of collaborative study. Six sections of Intermediate Algebra were taught by three instructors, each teaching one traditional section and one collaborative section. All six sections were given the same lectures, tests, and…

Approximately 1,200 students in years 7 to 10 were tested on recognizing, using, and describing rules relating 2 variables. Fourteen interviewed students saw a variety of patterns, many of which were not helpful for algebra. Outlines critical steps in moving from a table to an algebraic rule. (MKR)