This handbook was prepared to accompany a series of programed study guides for first-year algebra. It presents the rationale and development of the program; gives an itemized summary of the strategies and logistics involved in installing and operating the program as an individualized, self-paced, computer-managed course of instruction; and…

This study investigated the differences in students' attitude toward mathematics, achievement from pretest to posttest, and ability to transfer concepts to a novel problem-solving situation when taught by an individualized method of instruction and when taught by a traditional lecture method. A quasi-experimental design was utilized and the study…

Twenty Algebra-Packets (A-PAKS) were developed by the investigator for technical education students at the community college level. Each packet contained a statement of rationale, learning objectives, performance activities, performance test, and performance test answer key. The A-PAKS condensed the usual sixteen weeks of algebra into a six-week…

Students collected and organized data concerning noise levels of various school activities. They reported that the activities were interesting and relevant. (SD)

Contained in this column are articles discussing the following topics: cross-number puzzles, an intuitive development of pi, a three-column proof format, and an easily constructed kit to be used in acquainting students with the wrapping function used in introducing circular functions. (MP)

Students use a series of isosceles right triangles constructed on a geoboard to discover patterns and form generalizations. (MP)

A community college intermediate algebra course was taught using four-person student teams and self-pacing according to Bloom's mastery learning model. The instructor assisted teams and lectured when necessary. Positive attitudes and 90-100 percent mastery resulted. Most students would have probably completed the one-semester course in two…

This discussion focuses on the problem computer users have in coding basic, traditional algebraic expressions into simple, all-on-one-line expressions as result of their heavy dependence on juxtaposition notation. (MN)

Students examined patterns emerging when numbers placed at vertices in a braided pattern were summed. (SD)

The author advocates a return to "traditional" elementary algebra content. Several roles for algebra manipulation are identified, including making arithmetic more interesting and understandable and providing facility indispensable for both the technician and the mathematician. (PK)

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)

A major component of student difficulty with algebra is the inability to make sense of the algebra symbol system as a language. Accordingly, remedies should be sought by considering algebra in a linguistic sense. (PK)

Presents two lesson plans for use when introducing computerized spreadsheet programs to high school students and discusses behavioral objectives, necessary equipment, teacher preparation, and learning activities for each lesson. Student handouts for use with the lessons are included. (MBR)

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)