The Sixth International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-6) was special in that it provided a context commemorating the life and work of George Polya (1887-1985) whose native land was Hungary and to whom all those interested in the teaching of mathematical problem solving owe a great debt. What follows in this publication is a collection…

Shows how to model Newton's method for approximating roots on a spreadsheet. (MKR)

Describes a prototype package that uses algorithms created within the symbolic algebra system Axiom, numerical routines from the NAG Libraries together with the easy-to-use facilities of modern graphical interfaces. Considers the implementation of different techniques, both symbolic and numeric, for the analysis and calculation of interpolating…

Presents a historical review of technology-based computer program development and research in mathematics for special education. Discusses two themes: the consistent focus on mastering computational algorithms and the use of technology both as a teaching tool and as a means of guiding teacher behavior. Contains 81 references. (MKR)

Presents a scenario in which two people solve a programming problem by discussing various number sequences and functions. The problem is redefined as one related to number theory and operations research. (DDR)

This yearbook provides the mathematics education community with specific perceptions about discrete mathematics concerning its importance, its composition at various grade levels, and ideas about how to teach it. Many practical suggestions with respect to the implementation of a discrete mathematics school program are included. A unifying thread…

Describes the use of simulation to introduce the bootstrapping technique of creating confidence intervals for the mean, median, and variance. These bootstrap confidence intervals are compared to the traditional confidence intervals for the purpose of analyzing accuracy of the technique. A Minitab program to produce confidence intervals is…

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

The objectives of this research were to review existing computer-assisted instruction systems for propositional calculus proofs or elementary logic and to develop an instructional computer program that guides students in the valid construction of propositional calculus proofs. The system is unique in that it provides assistance at each step of the…

Studies whether students' stated preferences for flowcharts or pseudocodes match their actual behaviors. Provides a review of the literature on flowchart utility. Reports that students preferred flowcharts to pseudocodes. Lists an example of both a flowchart and pseudocode. (MVL)

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

Presents several types of functions which fit a given set of data and create opportunities for classroom discussion comparing different kinds of functions and identifying some of the potential hazards associated with extrapolation from best-fit functions. (DDR)

Examines the issue of how calculators and computers can best be used in mathematics education. Contends that practicing a procedure is noncognitive and does not produce learning. Suggests utilizing customized computerized tools in schools for getting answers to algorithmic problems instantly, thus allowing teachers to explain and students to…

In 1985 the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) published the first edition of a book of studies on the topic of the influence of computers on mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. This document is an updated version of that book and includes five articles from the 1985 ICMI conference at Strasbourg, France; reports…

This document serves as Volume II of a two-part course designed to improve mathematical proficiency and understanding as the student is given practice in relevant problem-solving situations. It includes the mathematics skills needed to make sound consumer decisions. The purpose of this course is to review, reinforce and extend concepts learned in…