Formal mathematical methods remain, for most high school students, mysterious, artificial and not a part of their regular intuitive thinking. The authors develop some themes that could lead to a radically new approach. According to this thesis, the teaching of programming languages as a regular part of academic progress can contribute effectively…

In the Singapore primary school Mathematics curriculum, students are taught the model method that uses bar diagrams to visualize the problem structure in a given word problem. When these students progress to secondary school, they learn the algebraic way of solving word problems. Studies (e.g. Ng et al.) have shown that poor bridging of students…

The intent of this project was to develop a course for mathematics graduate students at Iowa State University. They would design and write computer programs for use by undergraduate mathematics students, and then offer the course and actually produce the software. Phase plane graphics for ordinary differential equations was selected as the topic.…

The paper starts from classroom situations about the study of a functional relationship with help of technological tools as a "transposition" of experimental approaches from research mathematical practices. It considers the limitation of this transposition in existing curricula and practices based on the use of non-symbolic software like dynamic…

"ARITHMETIC 400" is the first of the next generation of educational programs designed to encourage thinking about arithmetic problems. Presented in video game format, performance is a measure of correctness, speed, accuracy, and fortune as well. Play presents a challenge to individuals at various skill levels. The program, run on an Apple…

Discusses computer methods for finding roots of polynomials. The program provided finds rational roots and prints the roots as rational numbers. (PK)

Weaknesses in educational software currently available in the domain of mathematics are discussed. A technique that was used for the design and production of mathematics software aimed at improving problem-solving skills which combines sound pedagogy and innovative programming is presented. To illustrate the design portion of this technique, a…

This document is intended to describe several software learning environments in an order that parallels a reasonable sequence of use by students. It also describes a planned an designed, but not yet implemented, extension of these environments from the discrete to the continuous case. Each of the implemented environments was developed in…

Describes pseudoprimitives, a set of special procedures which allow traditional geometric topics to be used within the context of LOGO. Explains how these procedures can be extended and used in junior and senior high school geometry. (PK)

Seven research conclusions concerning computers in elementary schools are presented. A summary conclusion suggests that researchers have been unable to detect improvement in mathematical skills, although some evidence suggests that students using computers acquire attributes related to success in mathematics. (PK)

This document is designed to assist teachers and other school personnel in the planning and teaching of the fifth grade mathematics course. Contents include: (1) Overview of Grade 5 Mathematics (mission statement, purpose and philosophy, goals, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics, and uses…

Presents reviews of three software packages. These are "Ant Farm," a game of problem solving using guess and check or trial and error; "Learning Place Value"; and a set of three utility programs--"Mastering Math: Diagnostic System,""Mastering Math: Worksheet Generator," and "Mastering Math: Management System." (PK)

Discusses the mathematical properties of magic squares. Includes a computer program that will test magic square criteria. (PK)

Techniques for estimating pi using the microcomputer are demonstrated. Four BASIC programs, coded from pi generating formulas, are compared for efficiency. (PK)

Reviews of the courseware "Discovery! Experiences with Scientific Reasoning" and "Guess My Rule" are given. Discusses the accompanying manuals, the relative ease of use, and content of the programs. (PK)