A series of studies were conducted at San Jose City College (SJCC) in San Jose, California, to evaluate the persistence of three groups of new mathematics students entering Arithmetic, Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra courses in the fall of 1988. In particular, the studies examined students' persistence from the initial mathematics course,…

Presents evaluative work based on the computer algebra system (CAS) TREEFROG which enables drill-and-practice examples to be attempted with immediate, and ultimately intelligent, feedback. Contends that by using a suitable repertoire of black and white box CAS, a full range of algebraic skills can be developed. Presents preliminary evidence based…

The increasing availability of computer algebra systems (CAS) for the high school classroom is expected to have a significant effect on how algebra is taught, when it is taught, and the expected learning types. This paper reports on a computer algebra approach to the teaching of algebra to 13-16 year old students in a high school in Melbourne,…

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)

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)

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;…

Examines the potential role for Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) when teaching courses as functions, calculus, and linear algebra to students with low prerequisite algebra skills. A study reports the rationale, planning, and implementation of a functions course integrating Maple CAS into instruction. (MDH)

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…

Explains the importance of students learning algebra, and provides examples of how it can benefit them in typical life encounters. The article reveals how algebra quantifies relationships between quantities, basic algebraic structures, and its importance in the deductive process. Several algebra problems that illustrate these points are presented.…

Argues that students should be given mathematics credits for completing accounting classes. Demonstrates that, although the terminology is different, the mathematical concepts are the same as those used in an introductory algebra class. (JOW)

Methods of effectively teaching algebraic thinking in elementary schools as well as secondary schools is the topic of the following 19 papers. Papers include: (1) "Transforming Algebra from an Engine of Inequity to an Engine of Mathematical Power by 'Algebrafying' the K-12 Curriculum" (J. Kaput); (2) "Developing a Coherent and…

Describes a constructivist, interactive approach for teaching undergraduate mathematics, abstract algebra in particular, using computer constructions programmed in ISETL to induce students' mental constructions and collaborative learning to help students reflect on these constructions. (18 references) (MKR)

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…

One of the four algebra word problem structures found in K-12 textbooks is the propositional relation structure (Mayer, 1982). This type of problem asks students to establish equivalences between the variables or noun referents in the problem. The literature available indicates that students have inordinate difficulties, when trying to solve a…

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)