In this article two different accounts are juxtaposed. In one, we use a variety of texts to narrate the story of Joanne, a woman undergraduate student of mathematics. Like many of our mature students Joanne came to the university with a "non-traditional" academic background. We describe how Joanne developed as a learner of mathematics…

Teaching mathematics through themes has been praised for relating mathematics to real-life situations. However, research shows that the implementation of teaching mathematics thematically has not been widely adopted. In the present study, instructional, curricula and organisational factors that teachers perceive as obstacles to the implementation…

This article illustrates how a computer algebra system, such as Maple[R], can assist in the study of theoretical fluid mechanics, for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The continuity equation, the stress equations of motion, the Navier-Stokes equations, and various constitutive equations are treated, using a full, but straightforward,…

The effects of a fluency building math program on addition and subtraction computational skills were evaluated using a multiple probe across subjects design. Two students with developmental disabilities and one student with attentional difficulties participated in a supplemental intervention using the Great Leaps Math program. Analyses indicated…

The placement tests used at most colleges represent what is probably the biggest hurdle in the transition between school and collegiate mathematics. This article looks at different aspects of the problems and suggests some strategies for attempting to resolve the difficulties.

This article describes the design and implementation of a methods course assignment that enhanced prospective teachers' understanding of teaching mathematics with technology.

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that in spite of some superficial similarities the current mathematics reform in the US based on constructivist principles differs substantially from mathematical education based on Vygotskian cultural-historical theory (V.V. Davydov's mathematics program), and to illustrate the manner in which Davydov's…

This classroom scholarship report is based on the teaching experience using Davydov's mathematics curriculum, which was developed in the former Soviet Union. While "from arithmetic to algebra" is the normally accepted instructional sequence in school mathematics, Davydov's curriculum is laid out "from algebra to arithmetic," focusing on algebraic…

NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics advises that school mathematics experiences at all levels should include opportunities to learn about mathematics by working on problems arising in contexts outside of mathematics. Students should be given the opportunity to learn mathematics by building on their understandings of how the…

The introduction of quilt pattern consisting of many quilt blocks formed by congruent triangles, for writing by the students in the geometry classrooms, is studied. It is found that the students enjoyed this method and writing also helped in understanding the geometric concepts expanding their vocabulary in geometry.

On June 7, 1926, the Senate of the University of Illinois authorized "an experiment in the matter of sectioning students upon the basis of ability." Such experiments have since been made in History 2b, Rhetoric 1 and Rhetoric 2, Mathematics 6, and French 1b, under the direction of Pro- fessor E. H. Cameron of the Department of…

This paper draws on a research study of elementary- and secondary-route preservice teachers in a two-year, after-degree teacher preparation programme. The paper includes excerpts of classroom data, taken from the author's own university classroom, demonstrating preservice teachers' responses to carefully selected video extracts of children…

Usiskin takes another look at fractions, years after writing the article "The Future of Fractions" for "Arithmetic Teacher".

This article reports research involving collaboration between a developmental studies department and a mathematics department in an effort to increase the academic success of developmental students who transition into college-level math. Three separate projects were conducted with former developmental math students currently enrolled in an…

A simple, guided-inquiry investigation using stacked sandwich cookies is employed to develop a simple linear mathematical model and to explore measurement error by incorporating errors as part of the investigation. Both random and systematic errors are presented. The model and errors are then investigated further by engaging with an interactive…