Two computer exercises involving the classification of geometric figures are given. The mathematics required is relatively simple but comes from several areas--synthetic geometry, analytic geometry, and linear algebra. (MN)

Help to teachers for including discussion and investigations into their teaching, as recommended by the Cockcroft Report, is provided. Three algebra lessons are described as a way of getting started, and the degree of balance among teaching styles is discussed. (MNS)

A brief overview is given of a research project funded to investigate the cause and cure of errors in ratio and proportion, algebra, and fractions. Choosing pertinent information, interviewing students, listing significant features, developing lessons, and testing the materials are considered. (MNS)

The article discusses the use of computers to teacher college level mathematics. In particular, the Gaussian elimination procedure for solving a system of n linear equations in n unknowns, using a computer, is examined. (PK)

Reports that students frequently confuse meanings of terms and misunderstand function-related concepts. Also, providing mental images of functions is often limited to elementary algebra examples. This article describes a game which can help create conceptual links between the function properties and their various representations. (PK)

Two important aspects of transfer in mathematics learning are the application of mathematical knowledge (MK) to problem solving and the acquisition of more advanced concepts. General assumptions and themes of current cognitive research on mathematics learning in schoolchildren are discussed, focusing on issues facilitating the transfer of MK. (TJH)

Argues that exploring a familiar topic or examination question in a novel manner is a useful way to find topics for mathematical investigation in the classroom. The example used to illustrate the premise is a quadratic equation. (PK)

Dr. Charles Pine responds to questions concerning the definition of good teaching; his personal instructional approaches; New Jersey's basic skills testing program for college freshmen; ways to improve math instruction; and the New Jersey Algebra Project, a three-year curriculum revision effort for seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. (DMM)

Sophomore and junior students in the College of Engineering at Cornell University have been taught engineering mathematics using new computer software that performs exact symbolic algebraic and calculus operations. Describes this software, the computer-based mathematics laboratory, changes in the teaching/learning environment, and short- and…

A collection of student distortions, represented by student-invented variations of theorems, are presented. They were drawn from examination papers of 17-year-old students in Israel. (MNS)

Points out the benefits of students using LOGO with problems dealing with vectors and matrices. Provides examples of performing linear algebraic computations in LOGO. (ML)

Illustrated first is the case in which a wrong procedure (with fractions) leads to a correct result. Trying to justify why it works in this case and looking for similar patterns involved interesting algebraic considerations as well as use of computers. (MNS)

This section includes brief articles on holding a 'metric review show,' the 'normal' approach to graphing, graphing polynomials by using the powers of the factors, and some sum derivations. (MNS)

This study investigated the relationship between instructional use of handheld graphing calculators and student achievement in Algebra 1. Three end-of-course test forms were administered (without calculators) using matrix sampling to 458 high-school students in two suburban school districts in Oregon and Kansas. Test questions on two forms were…

This book features a comprehensive review of the Math Sense series and is designed to help students gain the range of math skills they need to succeed in life, work, and on standardized tests; overcome math anxiety; discover math as interesting and purposeful; and develop good number sense. Topics covered in this book include whole numbers;…