Attention to equity in the mathematics education field has been growing in recent years. We have evidence that many novice secondary mathematics teachers do not feel prepared to teach in regards to diverse populations. We need to know more about how secondary preservice mathematics teachers (PSMTs) conceptualize equitable environments. This study…

This paper reports on a mixed-methods study of 111 Advanced Placement calculus students' self-reports of their graphing calculator use, comfort, and rationale for trusting a solution produced with or without a graphing calculator when checking written work. It was found that there was no association between gender, teacher-reported mathematical…

This article summarizes research conducted on calculator block items from the 2007 fourth- and eighth-grade National Assessment of Educational Progress Main Mathematics. Calculator items from the assessment were categorized into two categories: problem-solving items and noncomputational mathematics concept items. A calculator has the potential to…

In this technology-oriented age, teachers face daily decisions regarding the use of advanced digital technologies--graphing calculators, dynamic geometry software, blogs, wikis, podcasts and the like--to enhance student mathematical understanding in their classrooms. In this case study, the authors use the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content…

A cross-curricular structured-probe task-based clinical interview study with 44 pairs of third year high-school mathematics students, most of whom were high achieving, was conducted to investigate their approaches to a variety of algebra problems. This paper presents results from three problems that were posed in symbolic form. Two problems are…

Reports on a survey investigating the current status of calculator use in classrooms and schools. Results indicate that the prevailing policy in the sample of high schools is to allow the use of calculators during classroom learning activities and tests. Policies regarding calculators with symbolic algebra capabilities were still not determined.…

This study examines graphing calculator technology availability, characteristics of teachers who use it, teacher attitudes, and how use reflects changes to algebra curriculum and instructional practices. Algebra I and Algebra II teachers in 75 high school and junior high/middle schools in a diverse region of a northwestern state were surveyed.…

This study investigated K-12 teachers' beliefs and reported teaching practices regarding calculator use in their mathematics instruction. A survey was administered to more than 800 elementary, middle and high school teachers in a large metropolitan area to address the following questions: (a) what are the beliefs and practices of mathematics…

Illustrations are provided which show how some algebraic manipulations done prior to doing calculations can eliminate unnecessary storage of data, reduce the total number of needed steps, and avoid overflow. (MN)

Considers various aspects of teaching and learning stemming from the integration of graphing calculator use in a semester-long college algebra course. Argues that technology use has had a positive impact on various dimensions of student learning. (Author/CCM)

Uses data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study to determine trends in calculator use among 13-year-olds in Japan, the United States, and Portugal. Indicates relatively high levels of calculator use for U.S. and Portugal, and no calculator use for Japan. Reports a statistically significant negative relationship between…

The development, use, and analysis of returns of a twelve-question survey of the present feelings of parents and elementary teachrs toward calculator usage in schools is discussed. The questionnaire items are included. (MN)

Described is an activity demonstrating how a scientific calculator can be used in a mathematics classroom to introduce new content while studying a conventional topic. Examples of reading and writing large numbers, and reading hidden results are provided. (YP)

In a classroom environment in which continual access to graphing calculators is assumed, items that have been used to assess students' understanding of functions often are no longer appropriate. Describes strategies for modifying such items including requiring students to explain their reasoning, using calculator-active items, analyzing graphs and…

Comparing calendar years and planetary years serves as the basis of a calculator problem. (MP)