Presents algebra course curriculum that utilizes a symbolic algebra system called PAD (Power, Application, and Depth). Demonstrates an example using PAD and points out that mathematics courses using this software present new ways for students to launch the power of algebraic thinking. (ASK)

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)

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)

Research indicates that students have great difficulty solving algebra word problems and that few high school seniors have mastered the fundamentals of algebra, let alone algebra problem-solving skills. Improving students' algebra problem solving skills is considered to be critically important by those who have worked on reforming mathematics…

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.…

Describes activities for Technical Algebra, which provides students an opportunity to solve algebraic problems through a hands-on, instructional process. (MKR)

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)

Suggests a few alternative approaches to teaching algebra that allow students to construct and reflect upon meanings for expressions and equations. The three lessons, which require extended discussion and reflection, are "Representing Algebraic Expressions,""Evaluating Algebraic Statements," and "Generating Equations." (WRM)

This collection of 11 applied algebra curriculum modules can be used independently as supplemental modules for an existing algebra curriculum. They represent diverse curriculum styles that should stimulate the teacher's creativity to adapt them to other algebra concepts. The selected topics have been determined to be those most needed by students…

Discusses the relevance of teaching algebra to all students. Issues examined include the desperate need for reform in the algebra curriculum, developing a curriculum for a broad range of people, and rethinking how mathematics courses are structured and taught. Concludes that teaching algebra to students previously unsuccessful in mathematics will…

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…

Analyzes the nature and growth of students' algebraic knowledge and thinking from an epistemological perspective supported by historical observations. Focuses on two crucial transitions: from the purely operational algebra to the structural algebra of a fixed value of an unknown and then to the functional algebra of a variable. (Contains 58…

The abstract nature of algebra causes difficulties for many students. Describes "Real-World Data," an algebra course designed for students with low grades in algebra and provides multidisciplinary experiments (linear functions and variations; quadratic, square-root, and inverse relations; and exponential and periodic variation)…

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in mathematics education. Presents mathematics activities for beginning algebra classes using spreadsheets. (ASK)

Analyzes student construction of function-based problem solving methods in introductory algebra. Describes longitudinal observation of a pair of students that studied algebra for three years using the function approach including intensive use of graphing technology. Offers terms for describing and explaining what and how do learners appreciate and…