The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of Learning Logic, an integrated-learning system, by high school students in Algebra I had a significant effect on the performance of these students when they subsequently enrolled in a traditionally taught Algebra II course. Four high schools were selected in which Learning Logic was used for…

Mathematical meanings can be developed when individuals construct translations between algebra symbol systems and physical systems that represent one another. Previous research studies indicated (1) few high school students connect whole number manipulations to algebraic manipulations and (2) students who encounter algebraic ideas through…

Clarifies aims and objectives of school algebra, reviews research on students' performance, and suggests curriculum modifications. This article is one of the keynote addresses of the Algebra Working Group of the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. (26 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes some basic difficulties in early algebra and their causes and presents some strategies for overcoming them. Lists five areas as being essential foundations for learning algebra: (1) seeing the operation, not just the answer; (2) understanding the equals sign; (3) understanding the properties of numbers; (4) being able to use all numbers;…

Describes the Algebra Project, which teaches algebra to middle school students and prepares them for college preparatory mathematics. The project includes some of the following elements: (1) a curriculum addressing the conceptual leap from arithmetic to algebra; (2) an experientially based curricular process; (3) high achievement expectations; and…

Suggests that the differences existing between the view of algebra as a mandated course at a specified grade level and the view of algebra as a way of mathematical thinking and reasoning developed gradually over time must be positively integrated to help students develop a genuine capacity for algebraic thinking and reasoning. (AIM)

Students (n=61) in an experimental course stressing active student involvement and the use of a computer algebra system scored higher than students (n=76) in a traditional college algebra course on final measures of inductive reasoning, visualization, and problem solving while maintaining equivalent manipulation and computation skills. (Author/MLB)

Data from the High School and Beyond survey for 1,076 students who took algebra before high school and 5,818 who took algebra in high school demonstrated that early access to algebra had an effect beyond increased knowledge, and that it might socialize a student into taking more mathematics. (SLD)

Four classes (n=53) of Basic Algebra and five classes (n=50) of Intermediate Algebra in a community college setting were randomly assigned to sections either using or not using computer assisted instruction (CAI) supplemental to classroom instruction. Based on standardized pre- and posttest scores, students using supplemental CAI in Basic Algebra…

The percentage of high school students passing the first semester Algebra 1A final exam in January 2000 dropped precipitously from the passing rate one year earlier. That decline in final exam passing rates was due largely to the adoption among all schools of a uniform algebra exam combined with a system-wide uniform grading scale. High school…

In Fall 1994, the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), in California, conducted a study to determine the validity of the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) placement test. The MDTP provides tests at four levels (i.e., algebra readiness, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-calculus) and is used in the District for…

This paper reports on a case study that was conducted at five high schools from a large, urban school district located in South Texas. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of Algebra 1 teaching strategies. The research questions were: (1) What is the predominant mode of instruction for Algebra 1? and (2) What is the level of…

Correlations of a test of algebra skills, SAT mathematics scores, and final mathematics grades indicated that most college freshmen would be better placed in mathematics courses by using the test of algebra skills and SAT scores than by using SAT scores alone. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

Examines the status of Broward County (Florida) Public Schools high school students, who must satisfy the district's algebra requirement in order to graduate. Data indicate that the majority of district students are meeting the new, higher standards; 80% of seniors in school year 1998-99 had previously completed the algebra requirement. (MLH)

Algebra students typically pay little attention to choosing appropriate domains, ranges and scales of axes for graphing functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of introducing an assignment and employing the graphing calculator to examine and alleviate students' difficulties regarding the selection of appropriate domains,…