Summarizes the history of the mathematical idea of function and presents questionnaire data from (n=117) mathematics teachers. Results showed that teachers had a tendency to think only in terms of continuous functions, yet had little skill in constructing continuous functions. They scarcely considered discontinuous functions. (14 references) (MKR)

Investigates the relationship between the strategies used by preservice elementary teachers in geometric problem solving and two primary mental abilities--spatial visualization and formal reasoning. Reports that the two abilities were related to problem-solving performance, and the strategies used were related to achievement in the geometry…

This paper presents a method of assessing math anxiety based on self-reported descriptors used to evaluate various personality traits in college students. A secondary purpose of the paper is to report the results of applying such an inventory to a group of college mathematics students. (PK)

Reports on a study to determine if having students write about the work required in doing three types of exercises from elementary algebraic fractions would affect the students' error patterns on quizzes. The study involved six developmental studies in elementary algebra classes. (PK)

Describes a general education course addressing the linguistic and logical aspects of the language of mathematics which is intended to develop students' abilities to read mathematics, express mathematical thoughts clearly, reason logically, and grasp the nature of proof. Students improved their algebraic procedural skills and attitudes toward…

An algebra test administered to (n=18) first-year college students found a disregard for negative numbers, ineffective use of counterexamples, misapplication of rules, and a lack of a good grasp of relevant mathematical terminology. (12 references) (MKR)

Investigated are three misconceptions of probability and the differential effect of two activity-based instructional units. Response categories (law of averages, law of small numbers, and availability) are identified. Treatment differences (evaluation or no evaluation) appear to influence subjects' interpretations of the information. (YP)

Describes the relationship between language concepts and the basic patterns of mathematical expressions. Suggests ways to improve the reading comprehension, writing ability, and reasoning skills of school and college students by integrating language topics into the mathematics curriculum. Discusses the use of language concepts in algebraic…

Pre- and posttests of prerequisite vocabulary terms were given to (n=162) intermediate and (n=178) college algebra students to determine their word knowledge and differences between the intermediate and college algebra students. (11 references) (MKR)

Recent contributions from theory, research, and practice in second-language instruction are discussed in relation to mathematics education. Three methods of teaching and learning second languages are described--"Delayed Oral Production," the "Silent Way," and the "Counseling Learning/Community Language Learning." (KR)

Presents a study on calculus reform that examines how instructional approaches that place different emphases on the use of technology and multiple representations impact undergraduate calculus students' ability to use and understand connections between different representations of concepts. Compares three courses--traditional calculus, calculus…

Presents a survey of 78 pre- and in-service elementary teachers in a midwestern region to examine the relationship between mathematics anxiety, perceptual preference, and previous mathematics instructional experiences with workbooks and manipulatives. Results indicate that the variables significant in predicting mathematics anxiety were…

Presents a study designed to explore whether a student's use of the graphing calculator during instruction will affect their concept of function, how students' participation in a conceptual change assignment affects their concept of function, and how the graphing calculator and the conceptual change assignment interact with one another to…

Discussed are possible reasons behind the inconsistencies in the learning of calculus. Implicated are students' beliefs, mathematical paradigms including concept image and concept definition, language use, and curriculum sequencing. (KR)