Exponential functions are an integral component of the secondary mathematics curriculum with which students struggle. Inherent difficulties students have had around the topic of exponential functions suggested a need for thinking about and examining the teaching and learning related to this content. This study presented the mathematical ideas made…

In the transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics, students try to participate in tertiary mathematics by replicating familiar school mathematical discourses. The objective of this case study is to investigate the conditions and affordances under which students proceed from familiar school mathematical discourses to new, tertiary discourses…

This is the first of a two-part article that presents a theory of unit construction and coordination that underlies radical constructivist empirical studies of student learning ranging from young students' counting strategies to high school students' algebraic reasoning. My explanation starts with the formation of arithmetical units, which presage…

Individual differences in inhibitory control have been shown to relate to general mathematics achievement, but whether this relation varies for specific areas within mathematics is a question that remains open. Here, we evaluate if inhibitory processes play a specific role in the particular case of fraction comparison, where learners must ignore…

The theme of the 39th proceedings of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA) conference was "Synergy at the Crossroads: Future Directions for Theory, Research, and Practice." The metaphor of crossroads was inspired by the conference venue--the historic Indianapolis Union…

The purposes of this study were: (1) to develop a skills hierarchy for rational number multiplication using modified intraconcept analysis procedures developed by Uprichard and Phillips in two preview studies, and (2) to evaluate and modify the hierarchy using the Walbesser technique (AAAS) and pattern analysis. Subskills were delineated from two…

A survey study asked Australian experienced teachers during workshops to rate what they believed to be the most difficult aspects of mathematics in grades seven and eight. Problem solving, number sense, and rational numbers were rated as most difficult. The research question provided a catalyst for action in professional development programs. (MDH)

A three-dimensional classification system of mathematical problems is given. A background philosophy is constructed through an analysis of different approaches to problem-solving research, leading to the statement of 5 theses and the objectives for the study. An exploratory study of mathematical problem-solving processes is conducted within this…

This guide presents math-focused learning projects and accompanying inquiry activities to help students pass the math portion of the GED 2002. It is Volume 2 of a proposed four-volume series; Volume 1 describing the concept of the GED as project is also available. Section 1 relates GED as project to the math portion of the GED and explains how…

This volume of the 27th International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education Conference includes the following research reports: (1) The Affective Views of Primary School Children (Peter Grootenboer); (2) Theoretical Model of Analysis of Rate Problems in Algebra (Jose Guzman, Nadine Bednarz and Fernando Hitt); (3) Locating Fractions on…