Research demonstrates a disjuncture between the practices encouraged by teacher education programs and what teachers actually do in the classroom. It also informs us that the cognitive and social characteristics of individual teachers such as their attitudes, beliefs and knowledge contribute to their classroom practices. This qualitative study…

Describes the rationale for and the methods used in four case studies of mathematics teaching in California which are discussed in subsequent articles. The case studies were designed to elicit relationships between teachers' knowledge of mathematics and beliefs about the nature of mathematics teaching and learning and their mathematics…

Interview with neuropsychologist Brain Butterworth about what research has revealed about how the brain learns abstract concepts such as mathematics and the implications of these findings for teaching mathematics. (PKP)

Presented are some concerns related to the diagnostic/prescriptive approach to teaching mathematics. The author supports the view that teachers need to become aware of reasons for making professional decisions and become reflective practitioners. (RH)

Discusses falling educational standards in America in light of a report issued by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Reviews such remedies as attracting talented college students into teaching mathematics through "forgiveness loans," and establishing functional literacy examinations, state-wide graduation requirements, and…

Algebraic calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities are tools in some classrooms for 14-19 year olds, and their use in learning and teaching mathematics is likely to increase over time. Explains the reports of government-initiated working groups that consider the implications of their use in academic mathematics examinations for…

This study shows that using authentic contexts for learning differential equations in a differentiation-by-interest setting can enhance students' beliefs about the relevance of mathematics. The students in this study were studying advanced mathematics (wiskunde D) at upper secondary school in the Netherlands. These students are often not aware of…

For several years, concerns have been growing about the mathematics achievement of California's K-12 students. In September 1995, the California Mathematics Task Force issued a report entitled "A Call to Action: Improving Mathematics Achievement for All California Students". The Task Force also provided specific recommendations for the…

Argues that any mathematical construct can acquire multiple referential meanings beyond its specific mathematical meaning as it is assigned several different mappings when applied to different real-world situations. Claims that the teaching of mathematics in schools is a vehicle for an ideology concerning mathematical activity and its outcomes.…

An established research base exists for using video modeling to teach students with severe disabilities. However, the application of this strategy for teaching academic skills to students with a learning disability is less known, particularly in secondary mathematics. Video modeling provides a resource for supplementary instruction using…

This document contains 22 papers presented at an international congress on mathematical education. An introductory report describes the work of the theme group, "Mathematics for All," motivated by the move to universal elementary education in developing countries, the move to universal secondary education in industrialized countries, and…

Described is a Monte-Carlo method for modeling physical systems with a computer. Also discussed are ways to incorporate Monte-Carlo simulation techniques for introductory science and mathematics teaching and also for enriching computer and simulation courses. (RH)

This report presents a second program review of Mathematics and Statistics in the State University System of Florida (SUS) that was conducted in 1989-90. The report reveals that all nine SUS institutions offer degree programs in Mathematics; five SUS institutions offer 10 degree programs in Statistics. It is noted that improvement has occurred…

Summarizes some feminist critiques of science which leads to an investigation of the role that language plays within science. Also explores the ramifications of gendered discourse for the teaching of science and mathematics. Contains 40 references. (Author/PVD)

Explores the concept of democratic education in the context of mathematics teaching relating to issues concerning democratic citizenship in modern democratic societies and ways of teaching which reflect democratic values. Claims that most mathematics is done in isolation with little social support for its learning. Contains 30 references. (ASK)