Discussion material and exercises related to pre-algebra groups are provided in this five chapter manual. Chapter 1 (mappings) focuses on restricted domains, order of operations (parentheses and exponents), rules of assignment, and computer extensions. Chapter 2 considers finite number systems, including binary operations, clock arithmetic,…

A project to assist with improving test efficiency in local school districts and state agencies is described. The report describes and defines the term "item banking." Considerations in selecting, developing, or managing an item bank are discussed. Testing purposes considered suitable for item banking include student selection for special…

This paper looks at the issue of mathematics learning from a developmental perspective. It begins by focusing on the importance for teachers of understanding how mathematical thinking develops. The New Zealand Number Framework is used as an example of a developmental progression that is of particular relevance to the teaching of mathematics. The…

The "General Mathematics" series is intended to introduce students to basic mathematic principles and concepts as well as to the opportunity to apply those principles and concepts. This color coded module, one of six in the series, will allow students to build or increase their level of understanding of whole numbers and will help…

The "General Mathematics" series is intended to introduce students to basic mathematic principles and concepts and to provide the opportunity to apply those principles and concepts. This module, one of six in the series, will allow students to build or increase their level of understanding of decimals and percents, and will help students…

This book is written for coaches of secondary school students involved in mathematics contests. Benefits, of contests and suggestions for coaching mathematics contests are described. Sample questions are presented for the following contests: (1) Open categories, written competition; (2) Identified topics written competition; (3) Eight-person team…

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive Level 1 videodisc program called "Mastering Fractions." The evaluation was conducted in two parts. Part 1 was a controlled study that compared the Mastering Fractions program to a more traditional fractions curriculum while controlling for any novelty effect of the…

This document describes mathematical programs on the basic concepts of algebra produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Programs included are: (1) "Inverse Operations"; (2) "The Order of Operations"; (3) "Basic Properties" (addition and multiplication of numbers and variables); (4) "The Positive and Negative…

Because of the high incidence of failure in algebra I among ninth-grade students, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requested the development of this guide with the intention of providing a good pre-algebra foundation. The purposes of the guide are to recognize standards that involve the application of mathematical…

The aim of this study was to identify deficiencies in students' knowledge and understanding of basic algebraic concepts and operations. Since analysis of errors is an effective way of tracing misconceptions in mathematics, a diagnostic test was compiled for this purpose. A total of 162 items was included in the test which was administered to 4,635…

This paper reports the results of an analysis performed using data from the mathematics component of the 1986 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) for grades 7 and 11. The purpose of the analysis was to study the relationship between mathematics achievement and students' attitude related to learning mathematics for the two grades. The…

This report contains a brief description of the study in the province of Manitoba, Canada along with recommendations based upon the judgements of the Technical Advisory Committee. Grade levels 3, 6, 9, and 12 were administered the test. The purposes of the test were to: (1) provide benchmark indicators relative to the level of mathematics…

This report contains a description and analysis, along with conclusions and recommendations, of the three components of the 1987 Mathematics Assessment in Manitoba, Canada: (1) the student achievement tests at grades 3, 6, 9, and 12; (2) the comparison testing (1981-1986) at the same grade levels; and (3) the teacher survey. The intent of the…

Recent increased interest in content-based language instruction is due to new developments in second language acquisition theory, and to the need to provide equal educational opportunities to the growing number of immigrant children. Facets of second language learning that need to be developed in content-based instruction include specialized…

Field tested with students in grades 10-12, this manual is designed to teach students in marketing courses basic mathematical concepts. The instructional booklet contains seven student assignments covering the following topics: why basic mathematics is so important, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, weights and measures, and dollars…