Team research is important in studying cognition as enactive. This paper contains four different pieces of research directed toward the evidences and artifacts of two students in Canada engaging in a sustained mathematical activity. These four portraits of mathematical cognition in action consider the conversation in which the activity occurs; the…

This book contains activities designed to help teachers enrich the mathematical experiences of all children and reach toward fulfillment of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Chapters include: (1) "Prenumber, Number, Non-Number"; (2) "Place Value"; (3) "Addition, Subtraction"; (4)…

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of a process approach for the teaching of algebra with a heterogeneous class of eighth-grade students. The assessment was conducted by identifying the processes used by above-average, average, and below-average algebra students in solving standard and nonstandard problems ranging…

This paper describes three methods that can be utilized in teaching for meaning in mathematics. These three methods are based on learning theories. Although there may not be consensus of what constitutes meaningful learning in the study of mathematics, there are problems with meaningless mathematics that are widely agreed upon by educators.…

The purpose of this document is to provide a framework around which systems and schools may build their mathematics curriculum. Important components of a mathematics education for the majority of students are identified. This document is presented in two parts. Part I, Principle for School Mathematics, addresses questions such as what is…

Algebra students typically pay little attention to choosing appropriate domains, ranges and scales of axes for graphing functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of introducing an assignment and employing the graphing calculator to examine and alleviate students' difficulties regarding the selection of appropriate domains,…

Experiments using soap films illustrate some of the most basic theorems concerning networks in a geometric framework. (SD)

The curriculum for eleven-year old students in the United Kingdom, currently adopted by most schools, includes solving linear equations with the unknown on one side only before moving onto those with the unknown on both sides in later years. School textbooks struggle with the balance between developing algebraic understanding and training…

The focus of this document is on students' understanding of symbolization processes in algebra, and specifically their understanding of semantically laden letters. In the first four sections, four inappropriate ways in which many college students use semantically laden letters are described. Evidence from clinical interview protocols demonstrate…

This program is designed to enable students to master the competencies and skills which reflect the learning goals and objectives developed by the Illinois State Board of Education. This document lists the learning objectives by grade level and reporting period for kindergarten through grade three. Topics included are arithmetic, measurement,…

This study sought to determine whether there would be any relationship between age and success for students arbitrarily placed in "college-preparatory" beginning algebra on the basis of the ACT mathematics score. The study was conducted during the first term of 1985-86 at Broward Community College, in Florida. A list of 78 students…

This paper describes a review and synthesis of research on algebra. The purpose was to identify findings that may prove useful to teachers, supervisors, and administrators. Over 300 studies were identified and categorized in terms of classroom instructional practices, cognitive factors, attitudes and affective factors, problem solving, calculators…

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of augmenting instruction of "math-anxious" community college algebra students with a counselor. The control group, with about 25 students, was comprised of students in Term I (August-December 1984) who received algebra instruction in the traditional lecture method. The experimental group,…

Two methods for solving problems are presented, designed to help people overcome difficulties that often occur in the problem-solving process. One difficulty people have is in using their knowledge to reach the decisive solution idea. The proposed "method of description" for eliminating this difficulty is based on a directed enrichment of the…

This is the Teacher's Commentary for the Supplementary Units for Junior High School Students. Included in the Commentary are background material for teachers, suggestions for instruction, and answers to student exercises. Also included are comments on how to use the materials with different types of students and time needed for instruction. (RH)