Following a brief historical review of the mechanism of mathematical modeling, examples are included that associate a mathematical model with given data (changes in sea level) and that model a real-life situation (process of parallel parking). Also provided is the rationale for the curricular implementation of mathematical modeling. (JJK)

Points out that successful mathematical performance depends not only on declarative and procedural content knowledge, but also upon mathematical thinking skills such as problem-schema knowledge, decision-making skills, and metacognitive knowledge. Argues that the growing need for remediation should influence schools' traditional overemphasis on…

Identified are three obstacles which students must overcome when examining and interpreting diagrams. The resources of the Geometric Supposer, a set of microcomputer tools designed to aid students, are outlined. The advantages of the use of this software are emphasized. (CW)

Discussed are the philosophy and procedures behind the introduction of algebra to students in grade 7 in Australia. Included are the importance of concrete experiences, language development, and the consequences involved in this procedure. (CW)

The contrast between the teaching of reading and mathematics is drawn. A new set of learning conditions for mathematics is presented based on a model of reading instruction. Immersion, demonstration, engagement, expectations, responsibility, use approximation, response, refinement, and outcomes are discussed. (CW)

Discussed are research methods as applied to research in the mathematics classroom. Included in the discussion are objectivity, development, evaluation, observation, reflection, research design and methods, and data reduction. (CW)

Reported are the findings of a study of the effects of academic acceleration on the social and emotional adjustments of students. Subjects included 1,247 12 to 14 year olds who scored in the top 1 percent on a national mathematics examination. The advantages of academic acceleration are emphasized. (CW)

Discussed are the problems faced by mathematics students who have limited English proficiency. Suggestions for teaching these students in the context of mathematics are provided. Cooperative learning strategies are stressed. (CW)

Included are five activities which focus on using and interpreting data about popcorn. The integration of mathematics with science, health and social studies is stressed. Each activity includes procedures, a reproducible activity sheet, and several suggestions for extension activities. (CW)

A survey of 226 Mexican-American mathematics students at a Texas high school found that student attitudes toward mathematics were not very favorable, with female students' attitudes being more negative than those of males. There was a greater occurrence of traditional, teacher-centered activities in all classes in comparison to nontraditional,…

Examines competing and conflicting approaches to curriculum (using information from an ATLAS (Authentic Teaching, Learning, and Assessment of all Students) seminar study group that investigated differences in participants' approaches), describing the four sources of authority that shape curriculum decisions, discussing different balances of…

Examines the influence of traditional classroom features on learning in a mathematics classroom in the United Kingdom. Analyzes student interviews, lesson observations, and results of questionnaires to show how traditional forms of education can inhibit understanding, reify the divide between school and "real world," and suppress the…

This study used observation and interviews to compare the discourse in workshop sessions that were part of a discrete-mathematics professional-development project for secondary mathematics teachers with the discourse in one participating teacher's high school mathematics classroom. By emphasizing the distinction between univocal and dialogic forms…

This article describes a teacher's techniques and strategies for promoting productive discourse and supporting active learning in the mathematics classroom. The lesson excerpts included are from two days of a workshop with primarily middle-grades teachers. These excerpts demonstrate the teacher's typical progression through defining a problem,…

This article describes a collaboration between a university professor and a sixth-grade teacher who teamed to introduce algebra using a visual approach. The project began with a study of qualitative graphs, moved on to quantitative graphs, then introduced tables of values and finally concentrated on equations. (Contains 12 figures.)