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 aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Microsoft Math Tool (graphical calculator) on students' achievement in the linear function. The study employed Quasi-experimental research design (Pre-test Post-test two group designs). A total of ninety-eight (98) students were selected for the study from two different Senior High Schools…

The potential for digital technologies to enhance students' mathematics learning is widely recognised, and use of computers and graphics calculators is now encouraged or required by secondary school mathematics curriculum documents throughout Australia. However, previous research indicates that effective integration of technology into classroom…

Demonstrates the capabilities of graphics calculators in assisting with a simple mathematical investigation. Subjects covered include Direct Calculation, Tables, Graphing Particular Cases, Logarithms, Parametric Solutions, and Three-Dimensional Plots and Contours. The question posed for investigation with the calculator is, for what pairs of…

Explores and illustrates the range of ways in which the design of mathematics examination tasks can be influenced by graphics calculators from the perspective of the people designing the exams. Also discusses principles for awarding partial credit to student responses. (Author/PVD)

Discusses the implications for teaching of the decision to permit use of graphics calculators in some Victorian Certificate of Education examinations. Also explores the impact of this decision on assessment in mathematics, argues that some amendments should be made to the policy, and looks ahead to the near future when students will have ready…

Describes the Calculator-Aware Number (CAN) curriculum developed by the Primary Initiatives in Mathematics Education (PrIME) project. Summarizes the CAN curriculum as it relates to learning by children and use by teachers. (YP)

This book, written by participants of a joint Japan-United States seminar, drawing upon years of classroom and research experience, examines how computation applies in basic and far-reaching ways, starting in early childhood and continuing throughout individuals' lives. The book presents both the Japanese and American views of computational…

Describes a study that investigates the subtraction skills of primary students (N=65) in two schools. Students solve tasks and explain procedures and their teachers are interviewed to determine their objectives and strategies. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

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…

Considers the use of technology, particularly programmable or graphics calculators and computer software, in the transition years from secondary to higher education. Discusses use of software systems like Mathematica in the extended investigative, problem solving, and modeling Common Assessment Tasks of the Victorian Certificate of Education.…

This book is a collection of teaching strategies and activities for teachers of secondary mathematics. This volume is the product of a workshop that focused on student understanding of directed numbers. Suggested teaching methods include introducing the number concept, using a number line, number strips, monograms, bottle top addition and…

The first volume of this proceedings contains the papers presented at the 21st annual meeting of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. Papers include: (1) "Research, Rhetoric and Reality" (Lyn English); (2) "I Keep Six Honest Serving Men" (Peter Galbraith); (3) "The Intension/Intention of Teaching…

The second volume of this proceedings contains the papers presented at the 21st annual meeting of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. Full papers include: (1) "Teachers Interpreting Algebra: Teachers' Views about the Nature of Algebra" (Brenda Menzel and David Clarke); (2) "Long Odds: Longitudinal Development of…