Reviews the radical constructivism movement in mathematics education. Benefits identified include learner ownership of mathematical learning; importance of social interaction; and identification of principles for improving mathematics teaching and learning. Weaknesses identified include overzealousness of some radical constructivists; downplaying…

Presents two activities that utilize problem solving to promote concept development. The first uses a treasure hunt to teach locus of points. The second uses a tug-of-war model to teach mixture problems involving ratios. (MDH)

Describes three types of children's books for use in developing mathematical concepts. Discusses the characteristics of a good mathematical concept book, methods of incorporating reading into the mathematics class, and three examples of children's books. Includes a bibliography of 159 children's trade books selected for integration into…

Proposes methods to teach the more difficult concepts of linear algebra. Examines features of the Linear Algebra Curriculum Study Group Core Syllabus, and presents problems from the core syllabus that utilize the mathematical process skills of making conjectures, proving the results, and communicating the results to colleagues. Presents five…

Considered are several mathematical models that can be used to study different waiting situations. Problems involving waiting at a red light, bank, restaurant, and supermarket are discussed. A computer program which may be used with these problems is provided. (CW)

Presented are three ideas for teaching mathematical concepts including "The Gymnasium- A Dynamic Classroom for Teaching Slope,""The Graphics Calculator: A Helpful Tool," and "The Point-Slope Equation Revisited." (CW)

Demonstrates how to construct rational, exponential, and sinusoidal functions that appear normal on one scale but exhibit interesting hidden behavior when viewed on another scale. By exploring these examples, students learn the importance of scale, window size, and resolution effects in computer and calculator graphing. (MAZ)

Stresses using the features of graphing calculators to teach parametric equations much earlier in the curriculum than is presently done. Examples using parametric equations to teach slopes and lines in beginning algebra, inverse functions in advanced algebra, the wrapping function, and simulations of physical phenomena are presented. (MAZ)

Presents a case study of third graders' development of place value conceptions to illustrate an approach for documenting students' mathematical development in the social context of the elementary school classroom. Documents the evolution of communal mathematical practices in which students participate and the development of individual…

A study of 38 K-12 teachers at the 1996 summer institute of the Northern California Mathematics Project suggested that a learning environment incorporating technology, facilities for sharing computer solutions, and development of skills with software can foster effective and spontaneous learner-initiated use of technology for mathematical…

Examines ways in which classroom practices create a press for conceptual mathematical thinking and how teachers can promote student participation in a classroom community where conceptual understandings are valued and developed. Details four important sociomathematical norms characterizing a high press for conceptual thinking. Concludes that a…

The two city districts that made the greatest strides in math on the latest national assessment relied on similar strategies: building students' conceptual math skills and investing in professional development in that subject for elementary and middle school teachers. While administrators in Boston and San Diego say that many factors were at work…

This study examined the influence of nationality, age and gender on Chinese (N=130) and Finnish (N=203) pre-schoolers' number sense. Two highly correlated aspects of number sense were extracted: one reflecting the children's ability to organise and compare quantities (i.e. relational skills), and another pertaining to their ability to operate with…

ProbLab is a probability-and-statistics unit developed at the Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling, Northwestern University. Students analyze the combinatorial space of the 9-block, a 3-by-3 grid of squares, in which each square can be either green or blue. All 512 possible 9-blocks are constructed and assembled in a "bar…

This study reports on the algebraic generalisation strategies used by two fifth grade students along with the factors that appeared to influence these strategies. These students were examined over 18 instructional sessions using a teaching experiment methodology. The results highlighted the complex factors that appeared to influence student…