Applications of systems thinking'' to instructional problems in the mathematics classroom are discussed. Both the analysis of materials and classroom management are explored with the various roles of a teacher in the system given extensive consideration. A specific example is presented in detail. (LS)

Survey of recent literature and research on computer-oriented mathematics courses in secondary schools aimed at setting forth the principal arguments given in support of these courses, and at critically examining the logical basis of these arguments and the anecdotal and statistical evidence for them. A 57-item bibliography is included. (Author/DN)

Describes an Applesoft Basic routine that converts numbers from scientific to standard notation. The program, which works with numbers of any size or sign, uses several string-related functions that are explained in the program description. The complete program listing is included. (JN)

Investigated qualitative features of proportional reasoning on dimensional intensive variables by sixth- (N=116) and eighth- (N=137) grade students. These features included types of comparison and types of strategies employed. Results based on the administration of four proportional problems, varying in numerical and referential content, are…

Two books ("The Mathematical Experience" and "Mathematics Tomorrow") raise many issues about mathematics and education, including how mathematics education must be disciplined by focusing on the real world. Examined are ways the books take adequate account of the constraints present in problems they consider. (JN)

Drawing on a recent empirical study of curriculum change in English secondary school mathematics and on the work of Kuhn, Bucher and Strauss, Archer, and Bhaskar, a tentative model for analyzing how and why changes occur in the legitimacy of particular definitions of secondary school mathematics and science subjects is developed. (Author/IS)

Describes topics and applications of five lessons dealing with applied mathematics (solving sequential optimization problems, queuing theory, graph theory, glyphs (pictorial techniques for displaying relationships among variables, medical mathematics). Design and evaluation of these materials which employ interactive graphics are also described.…

Suggestions are given for having students write or modify computer programs for listing prime positive integers and continued fractions, to help them discover mathematical concepts. Sample programs are included. (MNS)

Efforts of schools and universities in Ohio to improve the articulation between their programs in mathematics are described. The focus is on a junior-year testing program in the schools and a project to develop an electric course in mathematics for underprepared college-intending seniors. (MNS)

Math teaching involves more development of computational skills than problem solving and concept analysis. Presented are four areas to consider in attacking the problem. (MD)

The focus is on measurement and the concepts of length, area, and volume. Experiences with estimating and measuring are provided through worksheets on centimeters, areas of rectangular shape, block problems, and a garden problem. (MNS)

Discusses reform in mathematics education in Malaysia since the late sixties until early 1982, highlighting important features of the reform and main factors, including educational background and contributions to the shaping of these features. Educational problems/issues likely to influence a forthcoming reform in the wider context of educational…

The concerns of two teachers at a school where computer-integrated instruction was being used in five second-year algebra classes were studied. High levels of personal and management concerns, coupled with low refocusing concerns, were found. Both teachers were judges as mechanical users of computer materials. (MNS)

Interviews were conducted regarding attitudes toward sex role and mathematics with three cognitively equated groups of girls who had enrolled in different amounts of theoretical math in high school. Girls who took four years of theoretical math had more conflict between sex role and achievement. (Author)