This study aims at elaborating a well-established theoretical framework that distinguishes three modes of thinking in linear algebra: the analytic-arithmetic, the synthetic-geometric, and the analytic-structural mode. It describes and analyzes the bundle of signs produced by an engineering student during an interview, where she was asked to recall…

Our study aims to determine how Habermas' construct of rationality can serve to identify and interpret the difficulties experienced by university students in the mathematical problem-solving process. To this end, a problem which required modelling and solving a differential equation was used. The problem-solving processes of university students…

Self-efficacy in mathematics is related to engagement, persistence, and academic performance. Prior research focused mostly on examining changes to students' self-efficacy across large time intervals (months or years), and paid less attention to changes at the level of lesson sequences. Knowledge of how self-efficacy changes during a sequence of…

This paper discusses the process of investigating a mathematical situation, making conjectures, formulating an equation, then using mathematical induction to show the result is valid. Several examples appropriate for secondary school level are given. (DT)

Presents evidence that there exists much confusion regarding the connection between the algebraic and geometric aspects of slope, scale, and angle. Participants responded to a simple but non-standard task concerning the behavior of slope under a non-homogeneous change of scale. Analysis of the responses reveals two main approaches termed…

The intention of this investigation was to diagnose the retention of some basic skills in some topics in algebra and geometry and to reveal difficult steps in the learning processes in these topics. (MP)

The Czechoslovakian Academy of Sciences is sponsoring an experimental approach to the modernization of the geometry curriculum. Geometry is viewed as ancillary to other parts of the curriculum and is taught as appropriate to other subjects (e.g., algebra). Combinatorial geometry is taught formally. (SD)

Presents a model of rational number using pairs of line segments which can embody ratios of numbers. Actions upon these segments can embody arithmetical operations. Discusses tasks in a computer environment for bringing out diverse algebraic and geometric meanings of rational numbers. (Contains 23 references.) (MKR/Author)

It is widely attested that university students face considerable difficulties with reasoning in analysis, especially when dealing with statements involving two different quantifiers. We focus in this paper on a specific mistake which appears in proofs where one applies twice or more a statement of the kind "for all X, there exists Y such that R(X,…

Identified and classified solution strategies of (n=49) 10th-grade students who were presented with linear programming problems in a predominantly visual setting in the form of a computerized game. Visual strategies were developed more frequently than either algebraic or mixed strategies. Appendix includes questionnaires. (Contains 11 references.)…