The transition from arithmetic to algebra in middle school can be critical for students having persistent difficulties in mathematics. The leading perception in our project is that holistic relational thinking is an effective problem-solving tool in both arithmetic and algebra. We worked in collaboration with two teachers of special classes to…

We present the results of a research project on arithmetic-algebraic thinking that was carried out jointly by a team in Mexico and another in Quebec. The project deals with the concepts of variable and covariation between variables in the sixth grade at the elementary level and the first, second, and third years of secondary school--namely,…

The aim of this study was to examine prospective mathematics teachers' proof processes for algebraic concepts. The study was conducted with 10 prospective teachers who were studying at the department of secondary mathematics teaching and who volunteered to participate in the study. The data were obtained via task-based clinical interviews…

Many students in the United States are graduating from high school without the math skills they need to be considered college ready. For many of these graduates, who find themselves starting their higher education at a community college, remedial math can become an insurmountable barrier that ends their aspirations for a degree or certificate.…

This volume, a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of today's issues in mathematics education, distills research to build knowledge and capacity in the field. The compendium is a valuable new resource that provides the most comprehensive evidence about what is known about research in mathematics education. The 38 chapters present five…

Students who have particular difficulty in mathematics are a growing concern for educators. Graphic organizers have been shown to improve reading comprehension and may be applied to upper level secondary mathematics content. In two systematic replications, one randomly assigned group was taught to solve systems of linear equations through direct…

Traditionally, students learn arithmetic throughout their primary schooling, and this is seen as the ideal preparation for the learning of algebra in the junior secondary school. The four operations are taught and rehearsed in the early years and from this, it is assumed, "children will induce the fundamental structure of arithmetic" (Warren &…

Important characteristics of literal symbols are considered. How letters are like numerals and words, but different, are discussed. Teaching suggestions are included. (MNS)

High school algebra and geometry teachers use graphing calculators extensively in their classes today. National and state mathematics curriculum standards recommend their use for class work, tests and assignments. Because of recent legislation, including "IDEA 2004" and "No Child Left Behind", most students with mild…

We present a summary of a study carried out with students of the first year of Bachillerato (the first of two pre-university non-obligatory secondary education courses in Spain) to determine and analyse some of their errors and difficulties in learning inequalities with the aim of improving the teaching-learning process of this topic. The study…

Trends in computer programing language design are described and children's difficulties in learning to write programs for mathematics problems are considered. Languages are compared under the headings of imperative programing, functional programing, logic programing, and pictures. (DC)

THIS INTERIM REPORT COVERS ONE PHASE OF A BROADER PROGRAM AIMED AT STUDYING THE EFFECTS OF THREE EXPERIMENTAL MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS IN NINTH-GRADE ALGEBRA--BALL STATE, THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL MATHEMATICS (UICSM), AND SCHOOL MATHEMATICS STUDY GROUP (SMSG)--ON THE ATTITUDES AND INTERESTS PUPILS DEVELOP TOWARD MATHEMATICS. THE…

Math Notebook is a publication issued 10 times a year, with each issue focusing on a particular learning problem in mathematics and its diagnosis and remediation through practical, workable strategies for use by teaches, parents, and tutors. All the articles were written by Mahesh C. Sharma, with the exception of "The Japanese Soroban," by Frances…

This report presents findings from a study of the cognitive processes and learning difficulties of ninth-grade students in Algebra I. A clinical interview approach was used with 14 students. A group of six Hispanic students and a group of five Anglo students were enrolled in the same algebra class; three Hispanic students were enrolled in an…

This document reports in detail an investigation of the cognitive processes and learning difficulties of ninth-grade students in Algebra I. A clinical interview approach was used with 14 students. A group of six Hispanic students and a group of five Anglo students were enrolled in the same algebra class; a group of three Hispanic students who had…