Here are some ideas that the nursery-school teacher might suggest to parents as ways to set the stage for learning in mathematics for their children. (MN)

Thirty-five secondary school children were interviewed on a one-to-one basis using questions which involved concepts considered as basic to the notion of ratio. One implication of the study is that a doubling ability is no indication of the ability to tackle other ratio questions. (MN)

The perceptual transformation approach was found to be more effective in facilitating the acquisition of conservation subskills than the numerical operational approach. Neither approach was effective in facilitating the acquisition of conservation of number by nonconserving 4- and 5-year old children of lower socioeconomic status. (MN)

Compares the mathematical concepts and language of the 1937, 1948, and 1962 editions of the Essex Local Education Authority mathematics tests with the 1977 Testing of Attainment in Mathematics Survey (TAMS). Sample test items are given along with two tables analyzing the concepts tested and the language used. For journal availability, see SO 506…

Weaknesses in the initial preparation of school mathematics teachers are proposed. Emphasis is on the underdevelopment of global understanding in lieu of the manipulation of symbols or the performing of complex algorithms. (MN)

The study compared two methods of task presentation which differed primarily in terms of sequence characteristics. Sixty 4th graders were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups and taught concepts of mathematical symmetry for three days. A criterion measure was administered on the fourth day to assess initial learning and again six weeks…

Maintains that good geography instruction stresses student learning through theories, methods, and languages of investigation rather than ingestion of specific facts. A mathematical teaching model for geography is provided. For journal availability, see SO 505 640. (Author/DB)

Tests can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the child, not only in terms of right and wrong answers, but also in terms of how and why the child succeeds or fails to meet significant mathematical standards. (JD)

This paper is a case study of newspaper mathematics courses developed by SACHED TRUST and published as part of a broader newspaper project in South Africa between 1977 and 1980. Findings are presented, culminating in some recommendations for the future use of the newspaper for motivating adults to study mathematics. (Author/PK)

Presents activities designed to build concepts in measurement. The activities offer actual experience with measurement tools such as rulers, scales, and clocks. (PK)

In spite of current sentiment to the contrary, the wellsprings of mathematics are not utility and relevance, but creativity, imagination, and an appreciation of the beauty of the subject. This has implications for the teaching of mathematics. (PK)

Establishes that the congruence criteria for polygons with more than three sides (such as ASASA for Quadrilaterals) are easily proved within the scope of the standard high school geometry course. Also argues that elegant applications of these criteria are more easily found once these new criteria are known. (PK)

Computer algebra systems (such as MACSYMA and muMath) can carry out many of the operations of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. Use of them with sketching graphs of rational functions and with other topics is discussed. (MNS)

This study, part of a longitudinal investigation, examined the kinds of thinking which children aged 10 and 11 could carry over from Logo instruction to an algebraic context. Interviews focused on their ability to construct meaningful symbolization for the concept of variable and to construct formalized algebraic rules. (MNS)

Five-frames are proposed as manipulative material to increase children's ability to identify the number of objects without direct counting. How to use frames and beansticks to construct basic facts without counting is discussed. (MNS)