The observed behaviors of three highly effective and six less effective junior high school mathematics teachers were compared. A number of differences were obtained in the areas of time use, interaction styles, management, and personal characteristics. Relationships between these results and other process-product research are noted. (Author/MK)

A qualitative study of 15 ninth grade math students required to write a paper showing how math is used in the real world revealed differences in how teachers and students perceive research. Discusses student and teacher interpretations of the project; student reactions to the process, support materials, and grades; and student feelings about the…

Describes a study that investigated the differential effects of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) and metacognitive training (META) on mathematical reasoning. Participants were 83 Israeli eighth-grade students. Results showed that CAS embedded within META significantly outperformed the META and CAS alone conditions, which in turn significantly…

If British Columbia education policy wanted to promote growth in numeracy and mathematics, the curriculum would provide opportunities to use mathematical concepts in social situations and give students time to move from concrete to abstract thought. Instead, the curriculum emphasizes extensive mechanical understanding and algorithmic manipulation…

Data from a national survey of high school students were examined to determine the effects of increased mathematics requirements on the kinds of mathematics students studied, dropout rates, achievement test score gains, and the association of socioeconomic status with test scores and dropping out. Results found little effect on probability of…

Describes a Calculus I project in which students discover the formula for the derivative of an exponential function. The project includes two targeted writing assignments and leads to several additional problems. Together these tasks provide a basis for an algebraic approach to the exponential function. (AIM)

Discussed are the use of spreadsheets for demonstrating and exploring with the whole class, basic and advanced spreadsheet operations, geometric progressions, and graphing. Teacher responses to these methods are described. (CW)

Outlined is the "nine complements" method of subtraction. This activity was used by students to generate proofs that explained why the subtraction method worked. Reasoning and inquiry skills are emphasized. Other examples are offered that have been successful in stimulating inquiry. (KR)

Discusses the use of function graphers for teaching some mathematical concepts, including roots of a function; system of equations; inequality; relative extreme of function; trigonometric identities; limit of function; and convergent/divergent of sequence. (YP)

Summarizes several findings from review studies conducted on students' attitudes to mathematics. Suggests the methods to improve students' attitudes. Lists 26 references. (YP)

This study reports that artistic and social vocational-personality characteristics are associated with greater anxiety and less involvement or success in mathematics and computer courses. A concept of population variability in computer anxiety which is associated with individual differences in vocational personality is supported. (MVL)

This study was designed to: (1) examine modes of representations used by middle school students in a building description task; (2) investigate individual differences in representation mode; and (3) determine the effect of spatial visualization activities on students' preference for mode and success rate. The activities were reported as…

Examines whether an intensive and integrated approach would change preservice teachers' perceptions toward the integration of mathematics and science. Compares the perceptions of preservice teachers in the program with the perceptions of practicing teachers. (YP)

Notes muMATH is a powerful computer algebra systems assistant for performing symbol manipulation in algebra and calculus. Provides several examples and program listings for calculus tutoring, differentiation drill problems, and integration drill problems. (MVL)

Integrates research on mathematics anxiety, regarding its nature, effects, and relief by using meta-analysis. Concludes that mathematics anxiety depresses performance and that mathematics and test anxieties both relate to general anxiety. Discusses the sex difference of the anxiety and its effects on achievement. (Author/YP)