This monograph offers an overview of the current research work carried out in Croatia and the surrounding countries, and specifically an interesting insight in teaching and learning issues in these countries. The authors discuss the need of the general population for becoming good problem-solvers in society of today, which is characterised by…

In this paper we demonstrate that "lesson study" may be adapted from its primary use as a professional development strategy for use as a research strategy, especially to identify principles of good lesson design. We report on a project undertaken in two Australian secondary schools where lesson study research was used to investigate the…

Pedagogical maps provide a graphic depiction of the way in which teachers exploit the presence of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in their classrooms. They can show differences, and can also show growth, as well as personal preferences and reactions to particular teaching assignments. They might also be used for teachers to reflect on their own…

We describe highly generative and affectively powerful classroom activity structures that are made possible by applying new levels of connectivity across diverse hardware platforms. Based on teaching experiments involving core topics in basic algebra (slope-as-rate, linear functions, simultaneous conditions), we examine 3 kinds of activity…

Compares two groups of students in an intermediate algebra course and two groups of students in a college algebra course with regard to the use/non-use of computer algebra software in the courses. Indicates that in both courses, students using the software outperformed the students not using the software on a common final exam. (Author/ASK)

Discusses how to define and teach algebra given the available technology, highlighting computer algebra systems (CAS), which feature multiply-linked graphical, numerical, and symbolic manipulation utilities. The article describes: today's versus yesterday's algebra; mathematics curriculum and the CAS; and use of CAS in the classroom, which can…

Researchers and educators are calling for increased use of technology and attention to function concepts in school mathematics. Students often have considerable difficulty gleaning pointwise and global information from Cartesian (R squared) representations of functions, whether they are hand- or machine-produced. Described here is an interactive…

Describes investigative choices made and strategies used by students to solve problems in classrooms that provided access to a computer algebra system (CAS). Reports that technology-neutral mathematics questions were attempted by approximately equal numbers of students using CAS and traditional paper and pencil. Reveals that students who used the…

Computer algebra systems have great potential uses, but learning the basic concepts of algebra is itself a mathematical activity. Explores theoretical concepts that may be seen as essential enabling skills for computer algebra systems users. (Author/ASK)

Presents a real-life example of mathematical modeling in which a medical company asks for help in solving a warehouse-inventory problem. Uses charts, graphs, and computers. (MKR)

Shows how five points determine the formula of a conic section and uses the determinant as a computational device to find the coefficients in the formula. Uses symbolic, numerical, and graphical techniques. (Author/MKR)

Describes a classroom experiment using hand-held computer algebra systems (CAS) for the learning of algebra with the aim of developing the conception of a parameter as a means for generalization. The idea of the instrumentation of information and communications technology tools turned out to be fruitful in the interpretation of the students'…

Currently, in Texas public schools, there is a shortage of teachers holding secondary mathematics teaching certification. Many teachers have limited access to professional development opportunities due to occupational commitments, geographic proximity, family obligations, or inconvenience of transportation. However, with the incorporation of…

Describes a method of effectively introducing the concept of radian measure that uses Cabri Geometry II software to construct a circle of arbitrary radius and to measure that radius. The goal is to determine how many of these radii fit around a circle. (DDR)

Describes the process of modifying a program that focuses on computer-directed instruction in a developmental algebra course that was not producing the positive results expected. Emphasizes integrating classroom instruction along with a laboratory, either a computer or classroom laboratory. (Author/KHR)