This paper proposes a theory that can account for differences between everyday and formal mathematics knowledge and a set of processes by which informal knowledge is transformed into formal mathematics. After an introduction, the paper is developed in five sections. The first section lays out the nature of informal, everyday mathematics knowledge.…

The importance accorded mathematical connections in the professional literature is not properly reflected in the relatively small number of empirical investigations of students' mathematical connections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mathematical connections that students form and use in solving nonroutine problems. Two main…

This study examined the use of heuristic problem-solving strategies in math by seventh-graders under three different conditions: working individually; working in groups; and working as cooperative teams. No significant differences were found for the three conditions over a 5-week experimental period on a problem solving post-text (the Maryland…

This document contains an inservice presentation for teaching common problem solving strategies in mathematics word problems. Sections included are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Common Word Problem Strategies"; (3) "Break into Parts"; (4) "Guess and Check/Test"; (5) "Working Backwards"; (6) "Look For a Pattern"; (7) "Make or Construct a Table, Chart,…

Field tested with students in grades 10-12, this manual is designed to teach students in marketing courses basic mathematical concepts. The instructional booklet contains seven student assignments covering the following topics: why basic mathematics is so important, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, weights and measures, and dollars…

This unit introduces analytic solutions of ordinary differential equations. The objective is to enable the student to decide whether a given function solves a given differential equation. Examples of problems from biology and chemistry are covered. Problem sets, quizzes, and a model exam are included, and answers to all items are provided. The…

This document explores two methods of obtaining numbers that are approximations of certain definite integrals. The methods covered are the Trapezoidal Rule and Romberg's method. Since the formulas used involve considerable calculation, a computer is normally used. Some of the problems and pitfalls of computer implementation, such as roundoff…

It is noted that there are some integrals which cannot be evaluated by determining an antiderivative, and these integrals must be subjected to other techniques. Numerical integration is one such method; it provides a sum that is an approximate value for some integral types. This module's purpose is to introduce methods of numerical integration and…

This guide outlines a one semester Option Y course, which has seven learner objectives. The course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the concerns and methods of statistics, and to equip them to deal with the many statistical matters of importance to society. Topics covered include graphs and charts, collection and…

This document was developed out of a need for a complete, carefully designed set of evaluation instruments and procedures that might be applied in metric inservice programs across the nation. Components of this package were prepared in such a way as to permit local adaptation to the evaluation of a broad spectrum of metric education activities.…

Design and results of an investigation attempting to analyze and improve children's solution processes in elementary addition and subtraction problems are described. As background for the study, a conceptual model was developed based on previous research. One dimension of the model relates to the characteristics of the tasks (numerical versus word…

This curriculum guide outlines the mathematics objectives of each of the grades K-8 under the headings of operations, sentences and problem solving, numbers and numeration, measurement, geometry, statistics, and applications. Examples of each of the objectives are given. High school minimal skills are listed. The sequence of mathematics courses…

This is one of a series of reports summarizing the results of the second mathematics assessment conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Nine, 13- and 17-year-olds were assessed during the 1977-78 school year. The assessment measured achievement in various content areas at four levels of cognitive processes (knowledge,…

This SMSG study guide is designed to aid the teacher in acquiring familiarity with digital computer concepts or to further his/her knowledge of the field. Suitable references for important topics are categorized as central, peripheral, or advanced. Topics covered include: (1) nature and organization of computers; (2) problem analysis; (3)…

"Algorithmic counseling" is an attempt to apply recent instructional regulation techniques to graduate counselor training and research. This paper seeks to explain what algorithms are, why they could be useful, and how they can be constructed. A central motivation for studying algorithms is their utility in showing students how to accomplish a…