The purpose of this guide is to provide strategies and materials for developing and implementing lessons for students who need intensive instruction in the area of place value, numeracy, and counting. Resource room teachers, math interventionists, and others working with struggling students may find this guide helpful. Within college- and…

Mathematics is a language that is characterized by words and symbols that have precise definitions. Many opportunities exist for miscommunication in mathematics if the words and symbols are interpreted incorrectly or used in imprecise ways. In fact, it is found that imprecision is a common source of mathematical disagreements and misunderstandings…

The purpose of this guide is to provide brief explanations of practices that can be implemented when working with students in need of intensive intervention in mathematics. Special education instructors, math interventionists, and others working with students who struggle with mathematics may find this guide helpful. Specific topics covered…

In many ways, algebra can be as challenging for teachers as it is for students. With so much emphasis placed on procedural knowledge and the manipulations of variables and symbols, it can be easy to lose sight of the key ideas that underlie algebraic thinking and the relevance algebra has to the real world. In the The Xs and Whys of Algebra: Key…

One of the best known numbers in mathematics is the number denoted by the symbol [pi]. This column describes activities that teachers can utilize to encourage students to explore the use of [pi] in one of the simplest of geometric figures: the circle.

Discusses the use of maps, signs, street numbers, logos, and other types of signs. Suggests that the principles of wayfinding or mapping can be applied to the layout of user information and equipment. (JOW)

Presents transcripts of interviews with two children to illustrate their understanding of traditional fraction notation. Suggests an activity to help children construct schemes to coordinate units. (MKR)

This book is for people with an interest in algebra whether as a learner, or as a teacher, or perhaps as both. It is concerned with the "big ideas" of algebra and what it is to understand the process of thinking algebraically. The book has been structured according to a number of pedagogic principles that are exposed and discussed along the way,…

Investigates the origins of the universal gas constant R and presents an historical perspective. (SOE)

This article shares activities that fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can enjoy as they discover relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents, including the 100-penny chart. (MKR)

Provides a brief historical explanation of the multiplication sign in mathematics. (ASK)

Describes public key cryptography, also known as RSA, which is a system using two keys, one used to put a message into cipher and another used to decipher the message. Presents examples using small prime numbers. (MKR)

In standard mathematical notation it is common to have a given symbol take on different meanings in different settings. Shares anecdotes of how this symbolic double entendre causes difficulties for students. Suggests ways in which instructors can clarify these ambiguities to make mathematics more understandable to students. (Author/ASK)

Presents and discusses examples that can be used to develop the concept of slope as a rate of change through three modes of learning: (1) visualization, (2) verbalization, and (3) symbolization. (ASK)