The study examined the effect of parental involvement on students' mathematics achievement. The investigator selected four Algebra I classes taught by one teacher and randomly placed two classes in the control group and two classes in the experimental group. The parents of the students in the treatment group received monitoring sheets twice a…

This study investigated the nature of secondary school students' and teachers' conceptions of what mathematics is, the purposes of school mathematics, and the outcomes of school mathematics. Interviews were conducted with a sample of grades 10, 11, and 12 students (n=40), teachers (n=19), counselors (n=2), and administrators (n=2) from a large…

This paper is an ethnography of a high school mathematics department that has been struggling with curriculum change since 1977. A literature review of curriculum reform revealed four elements of mathematics reform: (1) a focus on students' complex thinking; (2) a change in locus of authority in the classroom; (3) a change in student roles; and…

This book contains real-life mathematics problems and is designed to conform to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) goals as outlined in the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. The problems come from each person's day-to-day experiences in their careers. Persons from various careers represented are…

This glossary has been prepared for the convenience of bilingual (English and Spanish) teachers who may not always be familiar with mathematical terminology in both languages. Often teachers must research and translate the terms necessary for each lesson. In some cases, the translations are literal, which results in the adoption of different terms…

Computer awareness and literacy programs for gifted and talented high school students were developed at two Washington City Schools (North Carolina). At Carteret High School, a variety of computer programs were purchased for biology and physics studies, trigonometry and algebra studies, aptitude and merit exam preparation, basic skills math…

Role-specific self-concept was assessed in 357 geometry students in Utah and North Carolina and analyzed in a causal-comparative study of the influences of success (geometry letter grade from previous semester), teacher, and sex of student. Research literature suggests that variations in self-concept might be expected as a result of, or from…

Describes the use of a scientific phenomenon related to the concept of surface tension as an intriguing vehicle to direct attention to useful problem solving techniques. The need for a definite building process in attempts to solve mathematical problems is stressed. (EB)

Indicates how some branches of chemistry lend themselves to interpretation using a modern mathematical approach. Examples include set theory and the periodic table, matrix algebra and determinants and atomic theory, and symmetry and molecular structure. (GS)

Several advantages and disadvantages of using an individualized approach with low-achieving secondary students are discussed. (SD)

Drawing the prisoner's cell after reading the Poe classic, and redrawing it after each of several passages are read, students develop problem-solving strategies. (SD)

The incenter, orthocenter, and centroid of a triangle are discussed in a sequence which students knowing ratio and proportion can understand. (SD)

The School Mathematics Program (SMP) is criticized for providing the upper 20 percent of the students with insufficient practice on working examples. (SD)

The adoption of the School Mathematics Project (SMP) materials by Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland is described. Some of the materials, especially work cards, have been modified for African use, and the countries intend to continue use of this program. (SD)

Mathematical modelling activities related to everyday situations (e.g., traffic lights) can be used to develop probability concepts. (SD)