Analyzed questionnaire responses of 152 prospective secondary mathematics teachers, 10 of whom were interviewed, to investigate their knowledge of the concept of function. Results indicated that many did not have a modern concept of function, a limitation that influenced their pedagogical approach. (Contains 45 references.) (MDH)

Asserts that children's literature which explores geographic themes such as place and movement can foster real life applications of mathematics and social studies. Presents a review of 14 books grouped thematically to illustrate possibilities for integrating mathematics throughout the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Presents recommended resources for implementing activities in social mathematics, an instructional approach created by combining numerical information with social studies concepts. Describes ways to generate historical timelines, create family histories, and collect and interpret numerical data. (CFR)

Describes how one second-grade teacher opened the way to an understanding of mathematical concepts for her students by opening some favorite children's books. Four specific titles along with the mathematical skills they focus on and suggested teaching ideas are presented. Additional resources are included for each title. (BB)

Investigated impact of coeducational versus all-girls schooling and sex of teacher on attitudes toward mathematics. Data from a stratified random sampling (n=240) of female secondary students in Nigeria suggest that the best environment for females is in all-girls schools where mathematics is taught by female teachers. (DE)

The paper describes the details and use with primary school teachers of a problem-solving activity known as the King Alfred's College Maths Game. The game demonstrates to teachers that problem solving needs to be approached through structured learning experiences that provide material for reflection and questioning. (Author/MDH)

This study examined the problem-solving strategies and systematic errors of (n=82) preservice elementary school teachers related to place value concepts and decimal representations of rational numbers. Problems were posed in the unfamiliar domain of numeration systems with bases other than base ten. (Contains 13 references.) (MKR)

Describes a general education course addressing the linguistic and logical aspects of the language of mathematics which is intended to develop students' abilities to read mathematics, express mathematical thoughts clearly, reason logically, and grasp the nature of proof. Students improved their algebraic procedural skills and attitudes toward…

Presents a lesson that connects basic transformational concepts with transformations on a Cartesian-coordinate system, culminating with the application of matrix operations to perform geometric transformations. Includes reproducible student worksheets and assessment activities. (MKR)

Mathematics that exists in the Mende culture, an African tribe in Sierra Leone, includes counting, computation, ratios, fractions, forecasting games, and mathematical applications. Presents The Mende representations of these concepts and discusses implications of their integration into mathematics teaching. (MDH)

Describes self-regulatory processes that promote achievement in the basic skills of reading (clarifying purpose, understanding meanings, drawing inferences, looking for relationships, reformulating text) and mathematical problem solving (clarifying problem goals, understanding concepts, applying knowledge, monitoring progress). Experiences in…

Uses three computer software programs to help students develop algebraic reasoning. Programs include spreadsheets, Logo programming language, and Teasers by Tobbs. (ASK)

Presents a methodology of mathematical and technological principles as integrated components of the Design and Technology syllabus of the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom. The methodology is based on the syllabus area of product analysis and employs a structured problem-solving approach. (ASK)

Discusses factors identified by graduate students in elementary education as impairing their mathematics learning or contributing to a negative attitude toward mathematics. Presents key questions to provide insight into a math instructor's focus on teaching style. Provides an example of mathematics instruction in a meaningful context, and tips for…

Presents an overview and analysis of the Mathematics Case Methods Project, which uses cases in order to examine and reflect upon teaching. Focuses on a special kind of teacher knowledge, coined pedagogical-content knowledge. (ASK)