Leading on from a paper published in the previous edition of the "AMEJ" (Kissane, 2023), which looked at scientific calculators and irrational numbers, Barry Kissane now turns his attention to the attributes of modern calculators as environments for learning about rational numbers.

Informal Australian discussion suggests that calculators are still widely regarded as devices for calculation, consistent with their naming, and are rarely recognised as potentially helpful to support students learning mathematics. In this paper, Barry Kissane explores some of the ways in which modern calculators might support students learning…

Despite the importance of computational estimation skill for the improvement of number sense, little research exists on preservice teachers' estimation skills and their view on estimation in the US context. This study examined the computational estimation skill of 58 preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) and its relationship to their views of the…

Adults with learning disabilities (LD) face educational and employment challenges and may also have other disabilities and health conditions. Little is known about these adults' numeracy skills and how they use numeracy at work or home. The article's objective was to investigate numeracy skills and skill use for U.S. adults with LD. The author…

The main purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual understanding of the irrational number of the square root of 2 ([square root]2 ). Participants in the study were 20 ninth-grade male students. Activity Theory was used as a framework to show the development of the conceptual understanding. Since this study was conducted during the COVID-19…

Tossing a fair coin 1000 times can have an unexpected result. In the activities presented here, players keep track of the accumulated total for heads and tails after each toss, noting which player is in the lead or whether the players are tied. The winner is the player who was in the lead for the higher number of turns over the course of the game.…

Logarithms continue to play an important role in mathematics (most significantly in calculus), science, and engineering. It is therefore important for students to understand logarithms as real numbers as well as the characteristics of logarithmic functions. Exploration of challenges in understanding logarithms as real numbers and logarithmic…

This document presents a review of evidence commissioned by the Education Endowment Foundation to inform the guidance document "Improving Mathematics in Key Stages Two and Three" (Education Endowment Foundation, 2017). The review draws on a substantial parallel study by the same research team, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, which…

The author redefines basic numeracy as the ability to use a four-function calculator sensibly. He then defines "sensibly" and considers the place of algorithms in the scheme of mathematical calculations. (MN)

Argues that the type of calculator that is used in mathematics instruction is very important. Suggests that four-function calculators fail to give correct values of mathematical expressions far more often than do scientific calculators. (PK)

This module is the 12th in a series of 12 learning modules designed to teach occupational mathematics. Blocks of informative material and rules are followed by examples and practice problems. The solutions to the practice problems are found at the end of the module. Specific topics covered include order of operations, grouping, and use of the…

Describes four activities designed to discover numerical patterns using a calculator or paper and pencil. Provides tables and figures for the activities. (YP)

This module is the 11th in a series of 12 learning modules designed to teach occupational mathematics. Blocks of informative material and rules are followed by examples and practice problems. The solutions to the practice problems are found at the end of the module. Specific topics covered include multiplication, powers, calculator use, and roots.…

This module is the sixth in a series of 12 learning modules designed to teach occupational mathematics. Blocks of informative material and rules are followed by examples and practice problems. The solutions to the practice problems are found at the end of the module. Specific topics covered include calculator division, mixed number fractions,…

Provides a rationale for using calculators to study large numbers in the elementary school. Suggests that calculators be used to encourage children to develop their interest in large numbers, to become more adventurous in their explorations of them, and to stimulate their curiosity in their occurrence. (JN)