Two decades ago, in an award-winning paper, Dan Kennedy (1995) likened learning mathematics to climbing a tree, for which there was only one way to climb: up a large and solid trunk. In the limited time that is available, many students give up the climb, impede others, fall off the trunk, or fail to climb the tree sufficiently well. In the case of…

The solutions of the discrete logistic growth model based on a difference equation and the continuous logistic growth model based on a differential equation are compared and contrasted. The investigation is conducted using a dynamic interactive spreadsheet. (Contains 5 figures.)

This research focuses on the graphics calculator in calculus and its impact on students' abilities to work with graphical, numerical, and symbolic representations. Three courses are compared, two of which are taught with less emphasis on the use of graphing calculators. The format of the course emphasizing calculator use is more traditional than…

This paper focuses on using technology to support mathematics instruction. Technologies such as computers and calculators are widely used in the teaching of mathematics. The educators advocate the use of these tools to reduce tiresome computations and tasks so that class time can be more effectively used for learning mathematics. The purpose of…

Describes the results of a teacher's exploration of the effects of using graphing calculators in calculus instruction in sections other than those that are experimental. Two experimental and two traditional sections of Calculus I and II participated in the study. (DDR)

This paper demonstrates how calculators may be used to motivate a concept called infinite composition of functions. Several mathematical topics, such as continued square roots, continued fractions, and infinite products are treated and discussed as special cases. (Author/MK)

The author discusses the use of calculators in calculus classes and difficulties caused by roundoff errors. References for advanced follow-up topics are given. (Author/MK)

This paper merges state-of-the-art calculator technology with examples drawn from the Harvard Consortium Calculus Curriculum. A brief rationale for selection of the Harvard project and the TI-85 is provided, and four different mathematical situations are examined using different capabilities of the TI-85. Two short TI-85 programs are given.…

The Cockcroft Report on English Schools recommends that all schools design their syllabuses and examinations on the assumption that all students will have access to calculators. How to use calculators sensibly to improve what is taught and how curriculum content may change are discussed. (MNS)

Argues that teachers and lecturers need to identify essential skills which are technology-independent and need to determine the most effective use of new technology in the classroom. Examines prospects for change using the newer technology of graphing calculators for mathematics courses. Contains 15 references. (ASK)

Illustrates three examples usually delayed until sufficient terminology, concepts, and methods have been developed unless using calculators or computers. The three examples are on exponential growth, triangle construction, and end behavior of certain function. Discusses the advantages of technology-enhanced mathematics teaching. (YP)

An experienced mathematics teacher in a rural high school in the United States was studied as she first implemented a reform calculus curriculum. Her instruction was compared to her previous practice using a curriculum not constructed with the reform movement in mind. Despite her early attempts to make her instructions more student-centered, the…

Contained in these proceedings are: (1) two lectures; (2) reports from four working groups, three review groups, and three special groups; and (3) a list of participants. Lecture I, by Caleb Gattengo, was entitled "Reflections of 40 Years of Work on Mathematics Teaching." Lecture II, by David Hawkins, was entitled, "Understanding…

Reports 17 recommendations that focus primarily on curriculum in grades 11-13 for students who take a four-year college-preparatory program. Appropriate curricular patterns for students who are intending to pursue careers that depend on mathematics are indicated. (PK)

Calculus must evolve or face the prospect of becoming irrelevant. The minimum level of classroom technology now available requires us to rethink the content of our calculus courses. Proposes using graphing calculators and computer algebra systems to include the following topics: local linearity, optimization problems, families of curves, and…