Discusses the usefulness of Kuhn's concept of paradigm in describing major developments in mathematics and education. Presents the pre-Al-Khawarizmi paradigm in algebra and Al-Khawarizmi's algebra. Analyzes Al-Khawarizmi's algebra as a paradigm and discusses some pedagogical implications. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

If equivalent operations are performed on the left term and right term of an equation, a new equation results. This principle allows one to produce equations with a variable isolated on one side and its value(s) on the other. It also underlies problem-solving in situations where equations are not explicitly used, but the problem calls for…

This volume presents recommendations from four working groups at a conference on reform in algebra held in Leesburg, Virginia, December 9-12, 1993. Working Group 1: Creating an Appropriate Algebra Experience for All Grades K-12 Students produced the following papers: (1) "Report" (A. H. Schoenfeld); (2) "Five Questions About Algebra…

Describes the efforts in one large county to provide professional development and encourage dialog among elementary, middle, and high school mathematics teachers about issues related to algebraic thinking. Presents information on the algebra network, sample activities, and participant reactions. (ASK)

Presents several examples of investigations which demonstrate the following: (1) algebra is connected to other mathematical topics; (2) algebra is an effective tool for representing patterns and relationships; and (3) algebra is an effective tool for analyzing patterns. (DDR)

This volume contains the plenary or reactor papers presented at a conference on reform in algebra held in Leesburg, Virginia, December 9-12, 1993. Papers included are: (1) "Introduction" (C. B. Lacampagne); (2) "Summary" (C. B. Lacampagne); (3) "Recommendations" (C. B. Lacampagne); (4) "The Development of Algebra…

This document presents ideas and activities for teaching algebra. The section on "Week by Week Essentials" provides seven resources in a weekly format. It includes writing ideas that provide an algebra prompt and requires students to organize their thoughts and present them in a coherent fashion, and connections to the real world that…

The pre-algebra lexicon is a set of classroom exercises designed to teach the technical words and phrases of pre-algebra mathematics, and includes the terms most commonly found in related mathematics courses. The lexicon has three parts, each with its own introduction. The first introduces vocabulary items in three groups forming a learning…

This issue of Mathematics Education Dialogues focuses on the nature and the role of algebra in the K-14 curriculum. Articles on this theme include: (1) "Algebra For All? Why?" (Nel Noddings); (2) "Algebra For All: It's a Matter of Equity, Expectations, and Effectiveness" (Dorothy S. Strong and Nell B. Cobb); (3) "Don't Delay: Build and Talk about…

Examines arithmetic and algebra knowledge from a cognitive perspective in an effort to determine what constitutes a pre-algebraic level of understanding. Presents results of a longitudinal study designed to investigate students' readiness for algebra. Proposes a model for the transition from arithmetic to pre-algebra to algebra. Contains 29…

Astro Algebra is one of six titles in the Mighty Math Series from Edmark, a comprehensive line of math software for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Many of the activities in Astro Algebra contain a unique technology that uses the computer to help students make the connection between concrete and abstract mathematics. This software…

Presents a summary report of a discussion subgroup of the Algebra Working Group at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematics Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. Argues that pre-algebra should be viewed as a continuation of arithmetic that asks different questions about numbers. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

This paper asserts that the key to algebra reform is to integrate algebraic reasoning across all grades and all topics, to "algebrafy" school mathematics. The distinction is made between algebra "the institution" and algebra "the web of knowledge and skill," which is also clarified. Finally, suggestions are made as to how the educational community…

This paper is a reaction to a plenary address, "A Research Base Supporting Long Term Algebra Reform?" by James Kaput (SE 057 182). The reactions fall into three categories: comments on Kaput's dimensions of algebra reform, a brief discussion of algebra and algebra reform from the viewpoint of a curriculum developer of the Connected…

The purpose of this study was to determine teachers' views of learning algebra and to investigate if any relationship exists between their views of learning algebra and the ways that they use graphing calculators in their algebra classes. The 48 algebra teachers who participated in the study were from Allen, Putnam, and Van Wert counties in…