This paper describes the conceptions about complex numbers that a group of university students has, these were built from the application of an activity sequence centered on these numbers. This sequence is based on the APOS theory, some aspects of semiotic representation theory, and the use of digital technology. Particularly, both the general…

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the explanatory strategies that preservice teachers use in the process of explaining the concept of divisibility by zero. It was investigated how the concept of divisibility by zero, which can be used in expressing the case where the denominator is present in the definition of important concepts of the…

Research findings have established common student misconceptions for literal symbolic representations of variables but lack corresponding findings of when or how these misconceptions arise. This article reports findings from an exploratory study of U.S. grade 4-6 students' conception(s) for various representations of unknown addends commonly found…

The study was designed to probe students' thinking about which numerical values can be assigned to algebraic letters. The data from students in Year 7 (n = 533), Year 8 (n = 377) and Year 9 (n = 172) was analysed using response patterns. The data confirmed that each year contained students with two misconceptions; "Different Letter means…

Notes on divisibility using manipulative materials, cyclic groups of functions, Horner's method of synthetic division, arc lengths of cycloids and cardioids, number squares, and students' concepts of mathematics. (MM)

The purpose of this document is to provide a framework around which systems and schools may build their mathematics curriculum. Important components of a mathematics education for the majority of students are identified. This document is presented in two parts. Part I, Principle for School Mathematics, addresses questions such as what is…

This book, written primarily for college students who feel uncomfortable with mathematics, attempts to provide its readers with new ways of thinking about mathematics, reading mathematics, studying mathematics, talking the language of mathematics and appreciating the power of using mathematics. Chapter 1 deals directly with the problem of math…

Research reports from the annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education include: "La construcion algorithmique: niveaux ou stades?" (Mesquita); "For Establishing the Generality of Conjectures" (Miyazaki); "Teachers' Attitudes Towards Mathematics and Mathematics Teaching:…

A conference proceedings on mathematics education research contained the following keynote addresses: "Doing and Constructing Mathematics in Screen-Space" (Mason); "Students' Understanding of Geometry: Theoretical Perspectives" (Pegg); "The Australian Research Council and its Role in Supporting Education Research"…

Research reports from the annual conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education include: "A Comparison of Children's Learning in Two Interactive Computer Environments" (Edwards); "On Building a Self-Confidence in Mathematics" (Eisenberg); "Classroom Discourse and Mathematics…

The third volume of this proceedings contains more of the research reports begun in Volume 2. Papers include: (1) "A Semiotic Model for Analyzing the Relationships between Thought, Language and Context in Mathematics Education" (Juan D. Godino and Angel M. Recio); (2) "Conceptions as Articulated in Different Microworlds Exploring…

The first volume of this proceedings contains an introduction and the plenary, research forum, working group, and discussion group papers. Papers include: (1) "Resources as a Verb: Recontextualizing Resources in and for School Mathematics" (Jill Adler); (2) "Markets and Standards: The Politics of Education in a Conservative Age" (Michael Apple);…

The second volume of this proceedings contains the first portion of the research reports. Papers include: (1) "Learning Algebraic Strategies Using a Computerized Balance Model" (James Aczel); (2) "Children's Perception of Multiplicative Structure in Diagrams" (Bjornar Alseth); (3) "A Discussion of Different Approaches to Arithmetic Teaching"…

The fourth volume of this proceedings contains 29 full research reports continuing on from Volume 3, 84 short oral communications (abstracts only) and 34 poster presentations (abstracts only). The full papers include: (1) "Beliefs, Teacher Education and the History of Mathematics" (George N. Philippou and Constantinos Christou); (2)…

The Proceedings of PME-XVII has been published in three volumes because of the large number of papers presented at the conference. Volume I contains a brief Plenary Panel report, 4 full-scale Plenary Addresses, the brief reports of 10 Working Groups and 4 Discussion Groups, and a total of 23 Research Reports grouped under 4 themes. Volume II…