Describes the use of Margaret Wise Brown's "The Important Book" to involve students in writing about defining qualities and attributes of geometric shapes. (MKR)

Examined the evolving knowledge and beliefs of a preservice secondary mathematics teacher in a mathematics education course that emphasized mathematical and pedagogical connections and applications of the function concept. Although her understanding of function changed substantially, her anticipated approach to teaching did not. (29 references)…

Describes the use of an integrated learning system (ILS) in a performance-based diploma program for at-risk students at a Florida high school. Academic and vocational requirements are explained; the role of the teacher is discussed; and a sidebar describes an ILS program for a high school math curriculum in Indiana. (LRW)

Discusses the use of children's literature to explore ideas about estimation at three different grade levels. Includes seven citations of children's literature that incorporates ideas related to estimation. (MKR)

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment;…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

This case study examined the changes in a second grade teacher's beliefs about learning and teaching as she resolved the conflicts/dilemmas between her previous views and the emphasis of a project on children's construction of mathematical meanings. Video cameras were used to record each mathematics lesson from one school year. (SLD)

Discusses the limitations in the explain-practice and active learning methods of teaching mathematics. Proposes that problem-centered learning is a teaching method that encourages student reflection, and presents examples demonstrating that encouraging reflection results in greater mathematics achievement. (MDH)

Presents a method of transforming 15 mathematics students' questions expressing confusion and frustration into activities that (1) engage the hidden meaning behind the question; (2) open the dialog with students, and (3) provide a chance to interact with students on crucial issues of what is at stake in learning mathematics. (MDH)

Describes activities in which students use mathematics, writing, and drawing to explore the "My Travels with Gulliver" curriculum unit. Discusses seven suggestions for developing activities to incorporate literature into mathematics classes. (MDH)

Presents two teaching ideas. The first helps students identify and correct their own mistakes. A checklist of common mistakes is filled out by students after quizzes and tests and examined for error patterns. The second develops the formula to determine the payments necessary to pay off a loan over a required period of time. (MDH)

Proposes using a hypermedia authoring program as a method for helping students make connections between definitions, representations, and applications of mathematical concepts. Provides an example involving fractions and discusses the advantages of using hypermedia. (eight references and four resources) (MDH)

Proposes a novel method of introducing and promoting the topic of geometric sequences through the problem of calculating the number of games necessary to determine the winner of a single elimination tournament in which two, three, or more teams compete at a time. (MDH)

Describes a concerns-based approach to professional development programs designed to implement current reforms in mathematics education. Identifies seven Stages of Concern and includes a table of typical statements, expressions of concern, and intervention strategies a change facilitator can follow with teachers at each stage. (MDH)

Describes the use of interactive videodiscs in middle schools and high schools for science and math instruction. Topics discussed include establishing multimedia workstations; positive student attitudes; combining computer software and videodiscs; decreases in failure rates; positive motivation; pacing for individual needs; and effective time…