Has technology revolutionised the mathematics classroom, or is it still a device waiting to be exploited for the benefit of the learner? There are applets that will enable the user to solve complex equations at the push of a button. So, does this jeopardise other methods, make other methods redundant, or even diminish other methods in the mind of…

Geometer Sketchpad is far from a new innovation, but its potential in the classroom is probably still understated. The application described here can be replicated in any classroom, and the impact on learning is likely to be significant. The experiences documented are "real", and show how a software package can enhance an area of the mathematics…

Nowadays, many technological means are available to support teaching, such as the interactive whiteboard, class sets of laptop or netbook computers, and high speed internet access. For mathematics education there are advanced software packages for geometry, algebra, calculus, and statistics, which in many cases are available on line at no cost.…

In the September 2010 issue of "Mathematics Teaching," Tom O'Brien offered practical advice about how to teach addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and contrasted his point of view with that of H.H. Wu. In this article, the author revisits Tom's examples, drawing on his methodology while, hopefully, simplifying it and giving it…

The ability of interlocking polygonal tiles, like those in the "Polydron Frameworks kit," to flex can give rise to polyhedra whose faces don't quite fit. In this article, the author discusses what happens with polyhedra whose faces don't quite fit. (Contains 2 notes.)

When it comes to using software to enhance the learning and teaching of mathematics it is all too easy to "talk the talk", but "walking the walk" is something else. There are many pertinent problems associated with accessibility, robust systems, curriculum time, classroom management, software familiarity and intuitive usage to name but a few.…

One sign of a good task is that it will work just as well with Year 7 as with Year 13. The author asks learners to use graph-drawing software to draw a picture with graphs. He uses his imagination to suggest what a particular curve might resemble and helps learners to adjust their drawings to achieve what they are trying to make. Sometimes, one…

Islamic patterns were a regular feature in mathematics classrooms, and probably still feature in many wall displays. However, as part of the learning process, these ancient designs appear to have lost any significant contemporary appeal. Here, the power of software is engaged to bring the construction of Islamic type patterns up to date. Forget…

Many delegates at "conference" relish the opportunity, and the space, to "do some mathematics". Opportunity and space help to make the experience memorable, but how often is the quality of the starting point, or question acknowledged? Here is a set of starting points or problems that invite the reader to "do some mathematics". Deliberately, no…

In short, this is a "master class". The learning and teaching of mathematics can be revolutionised with the creative use of dynamic software is an oft quoted mantra. Here, this mantra is exemplified through the documented experiences of using Autograph to enliven, to extend, and to foster the understanding of differentiation and integration. The…

It is a pity that for so many people not involved in Teaching, and for a surprising number who are, mathematics in schools is "chiefly" all about the ability to know a set of facts, multiplication tables and addition bonds in particular, rather than the capacity to reason and explore patterns and relationships in Number and Shape.…

Solving true problems requires persistence. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) states that "problem solving means engaging in a task for which the solution method is not known in advance. In order to find a solution, students must draw on their knowledge, and through this process they will often develop new mathematical…

The authors explore the teaching of trigonometry using a method developed by Jeremy Burke of Kings College. A series of lessons was planned using an approach which looks at moving from a mathematical description of the topic, to a sequence plan, to a set of activities, which students can use to help them come to understand the topic. This is…

Display took a wide variety of forms ranging from students presenting their initial planning and thought processes, to displays of their finished work, and their suggestions for extending the task should they, or others, have time to return to it in the future. A variety of different media were used from traditional posters in many shapes and…

This final article focuses in particular on the engagement of year 8 students who were taught trigonometry using dynamic geometry software ("Geometer's SketchPad"), as outlined in "MT214" and with resources from the ATM website. The project was implemented in three different classrooms in two different, multiracial,…