Sometimes the immediate use of an algebraic approach to solve a problem can obscure what is actually happening. The solution to one problem is described both algebraically and through a numerical approach. (MNS)

After six weeks of testing college algebra students (n=84) either on recall or recognition tests, the test modes were changed without warning. Results showed that performance suffered when the test mode was changed for students anticipating a recognition test. Students anticipating a recall test did equally well in both test modes. (Author/PN)

Uses of the historical approach to the teaching of mathematics throughout the last century are discussed. Examples from turn-of-the-century tests are provided, and the place of history in Mathematics teaching today is explored. (SD)

Extracts from booklets providing critical reviews of and recommendations related to textbooks of the Nuffield Mathematics Project are presented. (SD)

An approach to absolute value is described which emphasizes the metric property of the absolute value function and the fact that the real number form an ordered set. (DT)

In two previous studies we investigated the non-routine problem-solving abilities of students just finishing their first year of a traditionally taught calculus sequence. This paper reports on a similar study, using the same non-routine first-year differential calculus problems, with students who had completed one and one-half years of traditional…

"Insights into Algebra 1: Teaching for Learning" is an eight-part video, print, and Web-based professional development workshop for middle and high school teachers. Participants will explore strategies to improve the way they teach 16 topics found in most Algebra 1 programs. In each session, participants will view two half-hour videos that…

This book is a teacher's resource guide designed to help students gain the range of math skills they need to succeed in life, work, and on standardized tests; overcome math anxiety; discover math as interesting and purposeful; and develop good number sense. Topics covered in this book include algebra and geometry. Lessons are organized around four…

Quality instruction and student engagement in mathematics are strategies that are becoming more vital as the new century unfolds. To prepare for living and working in a technically intensive world, high school students need a culture of high expectations, quality college-preparatory-level courses and numeracy across the curriculum. The following…

The paper provides a college mathematics student's concept maps, definitions, and essays to support the thesis that language-based prior knowledge can influence students' cognitive processes of mathematical concepts. A group of intermediate algebra students who displayed terms mainly from the spoken language on the first and the second concept…

This study was performed to determine whether hierarchical logistic regression models could reduce the sample size requirements of ordinary (nonhierarchical) logistic regression models. Data from courses with varying class size were randomly partitioned into two halves per course. Grades of students in college algebra courses were obtained from 40…

This study examined the cognitive impact of implementing a computer algebra system (CAS) on six intermediate algebra classes at Orange Coast College (California). The control group of three classes was taught using the traditional method of instruction and scientific calculators. The other three classes were the experimental group and were taught…

Currently, in Texas public schools, there is a shortage of teachers holding secondary mathematics teaching certification. Many teachers have limited access to professional development opportunities due to occupational commitments, geographic proximity, family obligations, or inconvenience of transportation. However, with the incorporation of…

This paper reports the results of student use of a TI-92 graphing calculator to solve algebra and analytic geometry problems in 9th grade Austrian classes. Students who had been trained in using the TI-92 were asked to compute x, given that a right-angled triangle had sides x, x+3, and x+6 in at least three ways, and to document their solution…

This study examined quantitatively the effects of varying retention intervals (RI) within a 4 X 4 block schedule on knowledge retention of Algebra 2 skills and concepts. Specifically, the study contrasted the mean scores of students having an RI of 0, 8, and 12 months on a pre-review, post-review, and end-of-course test in precalculus. The study…