Capitalizing on cognitive load theory and learning by analogy, we propose two instructional methods to learn a complex linear equation (e.g. two-step equation) by building on prior knowledge of a simpler linear equation (e.g. one-step equation). We will examine the proposal theoretically in this paper. In line with the design principles of…

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in K-12 educational delivery from primarily in-person classroom instruction to remote learning. Developing broadcast instruction is one way to provide learners who experience barriers to contemporary forms of remote learning, which are typically provided over the internet, a way to access quality mathematics…

Recently, Gauthier introduced a method to construct solutions to the equations of motion associated with oscillating systems into the mathematics education research literature. In particular, Gauthier's approach involved certain manipulations of the differential equations; and drew on the theory of complex variables.Motivated by the work of…

This work refers to a research project named 'Math walks', whose aim is to investigate a few students' common conceptions and difficulties related to symmetries as well as to guide the student in the transition from visualization to conceptualization. As far as this issue is concerned, we designed a learning activity (LA) according to Dina van…

This paper reports on an intervention as part of which direction fields were introduced to students learning ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The intervention was designed and implemented to address issues with students' conceptions of the solutions of ODEs. These were identified by a diagnostic survey and through a review of the…

This study explored the gaming principles that fitted well in the theory of learning in good computer games and attempted to incorporate those principles into mathematics education. A qualitative dominant mixed methods approach was employed, in which qualitative interviews [eight students, six teachers and eight parents] and quantitative surveys…

This paper contains a discussion of how the concept of critical aspects and the principle of compositionality can provide a powerful tool to analyse and understand the communications that occur in the classroom. It is grounded in data collected in a longitudinal study. The content chosen is algebra. It is argued that the critical aspects and the…

Research spanning two decades shows that there is a continuing development of 3D virtual worlds and investment in such environments for educational purposes. Research stresses the need for these environments to be well-designed and for suitable pedagogies to be implemented in the teaching practice in order for these worlds to be fully effective.…

In this article, I present some "axioms" that relate to undergraduate mathematics education. When I first heard the word axiom, it was defined as a "self-evident truth"; but an axiom is not a truth, it is a subjective assumption on which an argument or proof can be based. My purpose in presenting these axioms is to stimulate debate about…

This paper gives a broad descriptive account of some activities that the author has designed using Sketchpad to develop teachers' understanding of other functions of proof than just the traditional function of 'verification'. These other functions of proof illustrated here are those of explanation, discovery and systematization (in the context of…

Examination of models for representing integers demonstrates that formal operational thought is required for establishing the operations on integers. Advocated is the use of many models for introducing negative numbers but, apart from addition, it is recommended that operations on integers be delayed until the formal operations stage. (JP)

In this paper, prepared for a European conference on mathematics education in the 1980's, the author addresses the questions of the nature of mathematics and of mathematics education. From these discussions he derives a set of goals, and describes the relationships of various political and scientific phenomena to them. (SD)

The author develops a four-stage model for concept-internalization. The stages are: (1) concrete structure; (2) linguistic structure; (3) algorithm; and (4) mastery. The model is related to teaching methods and the teaching of long division is examined in detail. (SD)

The author outlines seven types of learning and teaching, and briefly discusses related literature on learning theories. He provides examples, and discusses teaching hierarchies. (SD)

The aims of the article are: (1) to outline the general tenets of the "back to basics" movements; (2) to indicate how these tenets go counter to emerging research on hemispheric specialization; and (3) to suggest methods which are brain-compatible and likely to produce competent creative problem solvers. (Author/TG)