Reports on an experiment in which Algebra I students (N=181) learned to translate word problems with two unknowns from the prose representation to symbolic representation using two variables when first solving word problems with two unknowns. Concludes that students who had learned to solve equations with the new method scored higher than those…

Describes changes that are being made in mathematics teachers' subject studies in order to provide students with sufficiently deep knowledge of mathematics and science and with present-day expertise in their profession as teachers. Provides an abstract algebra course as the ultimate example of a pedagogical experiment where co-operative learning…

Describes the results of part of a study into mathematical problem solving in secondary schools. Concludes that positive results were achieved, in part, as a consequence of the time that was spent in problem-solving lessons which allowed students to practice reading and working with word problems and working on basic material, particularly…

This book presents motivational ways to teach key concepts and topics common to all secondary mathematics curricula. It is arranged by subject matter which includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, and miscellaneous topics. The objective to be attained by implementing the unit on each of these subjects is stated, and the…

This paper reviews the current theory and research on algebra/mathematics word problems. First, the major research findings are identified and summarized along with the theoretical perspectives that produced the research. The findings are then interpreted from the perspectives of traditional and wholetheme approaches. Also, a sample methodology of…

This report surveys the use of technology in mathematics at New Jersey's community colleges. Of the 19 colleges contacted, 16 responded. The first section discusses the use of graphics calculators in mathematics courses. A table summarizes the courses in which graphics calculators are used, whether they are recommended or required, and the brands…

The purpose of this study was to determine if teaching techniques and teacher attitudes tend to reduce math anxiety in secondary-level students. The research group consisted of 48 secondary students enrolled in Algebra I at a rural school in West Virginia, with the experimental period lasting 12 weeks. The control group was instructed in the…

Argues that teachers must recognize and use students' characteristics and behaviors of resiliency to improve mathematics achievement in all student populations, including low achievers. Observes 20 high school mathematics teachers, and discusses their use of six promising instructional strategies. (SR)

The purpose of this study was to determine if there would be a significant difference in the achievement levels of two groups of eighth-grade Algebra I students when one group receives instruction from a non-traditional (Saxon) method of instruction, and the other receives instruction from a traditional method (Fair and Bragg text). The study was…

A study was done of the effects of school practices and curriculum offerings on eighth graders nationally. The study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, a survey of 24,600 eighth graders in 1,035 public and independent schools as well as the Hopkins Enhancement Survey of school practices. The results reveal that in…

This report researches the use of a standard deck of playing cards in entry-level college mathematics classrooms. The study looks at published research on the use of cards, and reviews pedagogic concerns directly related to the implementation of playing cards in the classroom--including the appropriateness of manipulatives, the link to cooperative…

This book contains a classroom-tested approach to the teaching of problem solving to all students in Grades 4-6, regardless of ability. Information on problem solving in general is provided, then mathematical problems on logic, whole numbers, number theory, fractions, decimals, geometry, ratio, proportion, percent, probability, sets, and…

This study explored the effects of the use of laboratory activities on students' attitudes and retention in a community college preparatory mathematics course. It also examined whether the use of numerical, analytical, and graphical methods of solution in preparatory classes would affect student retention in the succeeding algebra course. The…

Historically minorities, especially African-Americans, have been underrepresented in the mathematics and science fields. In order to attract more minorities as mathematics majors, these students must first experience success in the pre-calculus sequence and enroll in higher-level mathematics courses. The Georgia State University (GSU) Atlanta…

This book contains papers that identify and clarify techniques and pedagogical approaches for using the history of mathematics in teaching. The chapters are separated into two sections, one containing 8 chapters about secondary school mathematics and the other containing 15 chapters on higher mathematics. The first section discusses topics such as…