Some insights are provided into techniques for removing the mystery of how calculators evaluate functions. (Author/MK)

A survey of general mathematics students whose teachers were taking an inservice workshop revealed that they had not yet mastered division. More direct introduction of the standard division algorithm is favored in elementary grades, with instruction of transitional processes curtailed. Weaknesses in transitional algorithms appear to outweigh…

Students recognized as less successful individuals in mathematics are tested for their understanding of fractions. The data reveals that most were only able to apply remembered rules to problems without actually knowing if the rule worked for the given situation. (MP)

An unusual way of using the long multiplication algorithm to solve problems is presented. It is conceptually harder, since it involves negative numbers but is easier to perform once mastered, since the size of the multiplication table required is smaller than the standard one. (MP)

Children's difficulties remembering correct algorithms for operations with fractions are traced to difficulties in the instructional sequence. Many teachers "teach mistakes" by failing to provide sufficient referents for their pupils. (MP)

An unusual alternative starting point for instruction in a beginning calculus course that focuses on Fixed Point Iteration (FPI) is presented. (MP)

Three differences between the mathematics training of students from Spanish-speaking countries and that typical for pupils in the United States are discussed. (MP)

It is suggested that the reasons for teaching the standard written algorithms for calculations are not out of date. Alternative algorithms, such as mental algorithms, calculators, and nonstandard written methods, are discussed. (MP)

Three types of arithmetic algorithms are discussed and compared. These are algorithms designed to get the right answer, computer algorithms, and algorithms designed to get the right answer and understand why. (MP)

Examines through a series of mathematical models (theorems, descriptions, and examples), properties and operations on inverted files, which are used in an information retrieval system based on thesaurus with weighted descriptors. (CWM)

The role of the computer in coordinating the activities surrounding five modes of mathematics instruction is discussed. The modes are: computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, computer-based simulations, algorithmic exercise solving, and computer-aided problem solving. (MP)

Research on automated scoring is extended by comparing alternative automated systems for scoring a computer simulation of physicians' patient management skills. A regression-based system is more highly correlated with experts' evaluations than a system that uses complex rules to map performances into score levels, but both approaches are feasible.…

Discussion of electronic news delivery systems and the automatic generation of electronic editions focuses on the association of related items of different media type, specifically photos and stories. The goal is to be able to determine to what degree any two news items refer to the same news event. (Author/LRW)

Explains a proposed block of instruction that would give students in industrial engineering, operations research, systems engineering, and applied mathematics the basic understanding required to begin more advanced courses in simulation theory or applications. (DDR)

Describes an intelligent Web-based construction project management system called VHBuild.com which integrates project management, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence technologies. Highlights include an information flow model; time-cost optimization based on genetic algorithms; rule-based drawing interpretation; and a case-based…