"Report of a Workshop on the Scope and Nature of Computational Thinking" presents a number of perspectives on the definition and applicability of computational thinking. For example, one idea expressed during the workshop is that computational thinking is a fundamental analytical skill that everyone can use to help solve problems, design…

American students continue to struggle on measures of student achievement. This study employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling to estimate a two-level model and examine the influences of calculator use and teachers' instructional practices on student achievement in mathematics amongst first-grade students. The outcome variable was mathematics test…

For an entire school year, 24 seventh-grade classes were taught problem-solving strategies; in 14 of these classes the instruction was supplemented by calculators. Mixed findings resulted for both problem solving and calculator use. (MNS)

Discussed are experiences in using the calculator to assess mathematical understanding on the Missouri Mastery and Achievement Tests (MMAT). Data from a calculator group and a no-calculator group at the eighth- and tenth-grade levels are reported. Several items showed differences between groups. (YP)

Examples are given of transcripts made from tape recordings of a teacher working with groups of 10-year-old children using calculators. Attention is focussed on the teacher's role in the interactions which take place. Suggestions are offered for the possibility of a structure of strategies available to a teacher. (Author/RH)

Studied for three years were eight Swedish classes with pupils aged 10-12 using calculators whenever they could be of use, along with experimental textbooks. The experimental classes were as competent as control classes in mental arithmetic and calculations with simple algorithms, and had better understanding of numbers and problem solving. (MNS)

Compared was the mathematical performance of secondary school students for whom a graphic calculator was a standard mathematical tool, with that of students of similar background without regular access to graphing technology. Increased achievement on symbolization tasks, especially for females, was shown for students who used the graphing…

This study was designed to: (1) outline briefly the meaning and importance of the family of concepts stemming from the ideas of estimation, approximation, checking, and precision; (2) survey the present place of such concepts in the curriculum; and (3) relate the teaching and learning of these concepts to the availability of the calculator as an…

School mathematics is governed by a powerful tradition as regards both content and methods. In the first stage of the Alternative Course of Mathematics (ALM) project, an analysis is being made of the mathematics used in the everyday life of the community. By interviewing adults and children outside school, an analysis is also being made of the way…

Increased emphasis on science and mathematics education research in Costa Rica since 1973 is reported. The majority of the studies carried out in the past 12 years have been diagnostic studies. General findings are listed, under the headings of certification, supervision, basic skills, teaching methods, attitudes, and curriculum. The diagnostic…

This paper discusses the results of questionnaires sent to principals and teachers on the subject of manipulatives, computer, and calculator availability and use in the classroom. The study was done in order to develop a better understanding of teachers' inservice needs. Results of the study include: (1) most teachers have at least some…

This survey provides data on the current status of mathematics programs in Indiana schools. It was intended to stimulate local school systems in the evaluation of their mathematics curricula. Separate sections provide data on elementary schools, junior high and middle schools, and high schools. Included is information on mathematics contests and…

The availability of relatively inexpensive hand calculators and microcomputers is believed to be having an important effect on the teaching of mathematics and science in the United States. The appropriateness of allowing the use of this technology on standardized tests has become a concern of educators and organizations involved in testing.…

This project addresses the problem of inadequate mathematics high school teacher staffing and the shortage of mathematics specialists in the elementary school. Regular elementary school teachers interested in becoming certified as high school mathematics teachers, and who had taken at least three college-level mathematics courses, were invited to…

A sampling of teachers (n=348) and principals (n=31) responded to a questionnaire designed to assess their beliefs about the effects of, experiences with, and impediments to calculator usage in elementary school mathematics. Results indicated that teachers expressed concern regarding negative effects of extensive calculator usage on mathematical…