This paper provides an instrumental account of precalculus students' graphical process for solving polynomial inequalities. It is carried out in terms of the students' instrumental schemes as mediated by handheld graphing calculators and in cooperation with their classmates in a classroom setting. The ethnographic narrative relays an instrumental…

Some materials are examined which try to cultivate skills and concepts such as estimation, approximation, significant digits, place value, and repeating decimals. Also discussed are repercussions and longer term implications on the use of minicalculators. (MP)

This is the first of a two-part article on the controversy over hand-held calculators in the classroom. Considers the pros and cons of the issue, attempts to differentiate between the facts and assumptions about the problem, and identifies the important questions for research. (Editor)

Graphical representations play an important role in both science and mathematics education. Graphs can summarize very complex information or relationships very effectively. Although graphs are explicitly taught in mathematics classrooms as an end in themselves, many subject areas such as science or social studies utilize graphs to represent and…

An overview of the disadvantages and advantages of the mini-calculator in the public school classroom. While some educators fear students won't learn basic arithmetic and will become dependent on the calculator, others note its value in skill reinforcement, motivation, job preparation, and saving time in the classroom. (SB)

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics program. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

This report contains recommendations on needed changes (additions, deletions, and increased/decreased emphases) in elementary and middle school mathematics curricula and a statement of more general concerns about the secondary school mathematics curriculum. Separate sections are devoted to: (1) elementary and middle school mathematics; (2)…