At the University of Southwestern Louisiana, an innovative course in college mathematics, Math 107, was designed to place mathematics into the context of everyday life and to use concepts from several disciplines within mathematics including algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis. Inherent within the teaching of Math 107 was…

Examines questions raised by the Algebra Project relating to sociocultural contexts in which mathematical learning takes place and the contribution of social processes to the construction of mathematical knowledge. Finds that the project goal of improving minority student prospects in advanced mathematics and science is measurable and well worth…

The effect of optional retesting on the achievement of 1,314 college students in an individualized algebra course was studied. A performance improvement was found for about 90% of students who had earned a "B" or lower. Optional retesting appears to affect initial mastery, but not cumulative mastery. (SLD)

Explains the approach of integrating notions of algebra in problem-solving experiences and the design of instructional activities that integrate nonroutine, nontraditional problems. Presents some problems and students' interpretations, conjectures, and generalizations about the patterns they discovered. (AIM)

Illustrates use of rule space as a tool for cognitive analysis of students' mathematical behavior. The rule-space approach is explained and used to classify students according to two methods for solving linear algebraic equations in one unknown and diagnose their knowledge states on this topic. (Author/MDH)

This paper illustrates the use of rule space as a tool to support cognitive analyses of students' mathematical behavior. The rule space approach is explained and is then used to classify students into one of two methods for solving linear algebraic equations in one unknown and to diagnose their knowledge states in this topic. A 32-item test with…

As a result of questions arising from differences in performance on Algebra 1 final examinations by school during the 1999-2000 school year, students' middle school mathematics experiences have received renewed focus. Specific questions have arisen regarding whether all students are sufficiently prepared to handle algebraic content by grade 8 or…

Presented is a comparison of two major surveys of the teaching and learning of mathematics conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Surveys indicate that performance levels have declined in computational skills and increased in algebra. (Author/CW)

A study of 29 students enrolled in Algebra II in an 8-week summer instructional program for minority students was conducted to reveal the skills that students have in translating among representational forms in mathematics problems where the representational form is varied in the given problem and in the required form of the answer. All students…

As almost every state attempts to reform mathematics instruction by implementing new teaching standards, state testing practices remain largely unchanged. Is there a mismatch between these new standards and the old tests? This question is investigated by examining whether middle school and high school algebra students taught in a manner consistent…

Tests of (n=105) ninth-grade algebra students involving the addition and multiplication of monomials found that common, systematic errors made when multiplying monomials were related logically to the symbolism used and the algebraic convention of using an implicit 1 as an exponent. (16 references) (MKR)

This study examined gender-related issues in four Canadian and Asian education systems based on algebra and geometry achievement data. Results suggested that each system affected the academic achievement of males and females in similar ways, although one gender might be affected more seriously than the other. (SM)

Discusses a method of implementing the computer algebra system DERIVE for diagnosis and remediation of basic difficulties in mathematics. Learning activities for junior high school students were developed, each directed at a different area of difficulty. The basic strategy implemented in these activities is replicating and completing examples.…

This paper investigates the effects of a computer algebra system (DERIVE) on students' comprehension and computational skills in Brief Calculus, a first course for non-mathematics majors. Research results indicate better conceptual understanding by the group using DERIVE without the loss of pen-and-paper computational ability. (KHR)

Examines reliability of seven mathematical abilities tests among Spanish- and English-speaking pre-algebra Hispanic students. Students tested in divergent thinking, general reasoning, field-dependence, math achievement, math prose reading, syllogistic reasoning, and word problems. All tests reliable for Spanish speakers; only four for…