Presents a method blending ideas from logic, algebra, and operators to devise discrete functions that yield the same truth values as the truth tables associated with specific logic statements. Introduces mechanisms that encourage students to discover examples of discrete functions, approximately represent logic statements, and provides examples of…

Presents a theoretical framework based on interviews with undergraduate students and written questionnaires to study how undergraduate students cope with abstract algebra concepts. Indicates that students' responses can be interpreted as a result of reducing the level of abstraction. Examines the theme of reducing abstraction based on three…

Describes teacher and student experiences in a college algebra course at a high school when assessment practices changed. (ASK)

Describes a study that investigated the influence of small-group work on confidence level and achievement of adults in mathematics, specifically in algebra. Students who participated in the experimental (small-group) method of instruction experienced significantly greater increase in confidence level, and higher completion rate, than students who…

This course of study guide is designed to help teachers establish a continuity within the scope and sequence of their elementary school mathematics curriculum and to assist those teachers in formulating some realistic goals for themselves and their students. Part I contains an introduction and statement of philosophy. Part II contains course…

Reported is a two-part study to identify factors that contribute to student success in a remedial mathematics course for first-year college students. Data from 263 students testing into remedial algebra was collected on 3 academic variables, 2 affective variables, and class attendance. Multivariate analysis results failed to find moderate…

Describes a pilot study on the use of computer algebra at the upper secondary level. A symbolic calculator was introduced in a pre-examination class studying for advanced pre-university mathematics. Focuses on the identification of obstacles that students encounter while using computer algebra with the theoretical framework of Realistic…

Some research on the learning of mathematics and on learning in general suggests that students may acquire knowledge more efficiently when presented with worked examples rather than the traditional lecture-and-then-practice format. Good worked examples may facilitate the development of mathematical schemata, while a means-end approach may retard…

Describes a study that examined block scheduling's effects on student and teacher performance and attitudes at a large Texas high school. While the 2-hour Algebra I block had a higher failure rate than the traditional 50-minute algebra class, the block classes were comprised of students who have traditionally struggled in mathematics. Maximizing…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Casio 9850 and the TI-85 graphing calculators on college students' procedural skills and conceptual understanding in two different developmental mathematics courses. The courses used in this study were Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra. Both the non-graphing calculator group…

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of a process approach for the teaching of algebra with a heterogeneous class of eighth-grade students. The assessment was conducted by identifying the processes used by above-average, average, and below-average algebra students in solving standard and nonstandard problems ranging…

This paper argues that operations with negative numbers should be taught using a curriculum that is grounded in algebraic geometry. This position is supported by the results from a study that compared the conceptual understanding of grade 9 students who received the Algebra Project transition curriculum to a control group of grade 6 gifted…

Currently, in Texas public schools, there is a shortage of teachers holding secondary mathematics teaching certification. Many teachers have limited access to professional development opportunities due to occupational commitments, geographic proximity, family obligations, or inconvenience of transportation. However, with the incorporation of…

This paper presents two examples in which technology, in this case a fairly sophisticated authoring system--ToolBook, was used as a tool to construct student understandings in mathematics. In doing so, students were able: (1) to successfully identify the variables (unknowns) and the information given (data) in the problem; and (2) to create…

The effects of a form of cooperative group instruction called Team Assisted Individualization on students in a high school Algebra II class were examined. Sixty-two (31 female and 31 male) 11th-grade students were randomly assigned to either a cooperative learning (32 students) or traditional lecture (30 students) group. Students completed an…