The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards puts great stress on the mathematical processes of problem solving, communication, reasoning, and making connections. NCTM standards also emphasize new and emerging content areas for middle school students such as algebra, data analysis, and probability.…

Discusses the benefits of new technologies, especially graphing calculators, in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Presents two activities for teaching algebra and regression using graphing calculators. (ASK)

Explores the ramifications of two three-year-long experiences with different pedagogical approaches to beginning algebra. Focuses on differences in the nature of subject matter understandings and explores the impact on the teacher to support students' classroom exploration of mathematical ideas. (Contains 58 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discussed are assumptions about technology and classroom equipment, teaching methods, getting started, pitfalls, and the role of algebra and calculus. Suggestions are given for implementing the spirit and vision of the standards. (YP)

Reviewed are two computer software packages: "Algebra Concepts: Volume One," and "Data Insights." Each package is described and the strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Costs and system requirements are listed. (CW)

Describes an experimental study in which two sections of calculus were taught using the same materials, except one section was enhanced with the computer algebra system Mathematica. Results indicated that the students in the technology group had advantages to understanding certain key topics in calculus such as limits, derivatives, and curve…

This book contains an interactive calculator and worksheet program designed to teach the graphing of some of the functions that appear in high school mathematics courses. The graphs of linear, exponential, and logarithmic functions are explored as well as other functions. Activities focus on the graph that appears as a standard part of algebra…

Stresses the value of graphing and computer algebra systems calculators when teaching about waves. Discusses how to input data into these calculators. Highlights the Texas Instruments' (TI) Web site at http://www.ti.com. (YDS)

Technologies play a prominent role in current reforms of school and collegiate mathematics. This study examined ways in which first-semester calculus students still showed the influence of a graphing-intensive college algebra course they had studied one or two semesters earlier. Students (n=18) at a large research university were asked to solve a…

Describes the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP), a four-year program of problem-based mathematics that integrates algebra, geometry, and trigonometry with additional topics, such as probability and statistics, and uses calculator and computer technology to enhance student understanding. (MKR)

This report presents findings of exploratory research on success, retention, and persistence in math courses at Cuesta College. The following research questions were addressed: (1) How do success rates in Math 23 (elementary algebra) and Math 27 (intermediate algebra) compare with traditional and computer-assisted formats? (2) What are the…

Describes an experimental course in which the programming language ISETL served as a tool for exploring concepts in abstract algebra, and identifies instructional strategies that facilitate the successful use of ISETL. Offers informal observations regarding the effectiveness of this approach. (13 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes a prototype package that uses algorithms created within the symbolic algebra system Axiom, numerical routines from the NAG Libraries together with the easy-to-use facilities of modern graphical interfaces. Considers the implementation of different techniques, both symbolic and numeric, for the analysis and calculation of interpolating…

Extends O'Callaghan's computer-intensive algebra study by using his component competencies and the process-object framework to investigate the effects of a graphing-approach curriculum employing the TI-82 graphing calculator. Concludes that students in the graphing-approach classes demonstrated significantly better understanding of functions on…

Discusses an old technique going back to Euler for accelerating the convergence of an alternating series. Uses a computer algebra system such as Derive, Maple, or Mathematica to implement this method called Eulerization. Argues that investigations using this technique will improve a student's understanding of infinite series. (ASK)