Examines the use of the computer to approximate the value of the definite integral normally calculated by mathematical means. Presents four examples using BASIC programs to approximate single and double integrals by numerical integration and the Monte Carlo method. Programs are provided. (MDH)

Presents the concept of "Fuzzy Sets" and gives some ideas for its potential interest in mathematics education. Defines what a Fuzzy Set is, describes why we need to teach fuzziness, gives some examples of fuzzy questions, and offers some examples of activities related to fuzzy sets. (MDH)

Describes examples of student-centered activities for exploring mathematical induction using BASIC programs or spreadsheets. Discusses the advantages of using this medium to teach the concept and provides computer programs for the activities. (MDH)

Presents an alternate form of assignment, called "Special Problems," that incorporates writing in journals into the mathematics classroom. The method requires students to provide process narratives to accompany selected homework exercises. Allows the teacher to monitor the student's thought processes and development. (MDH)

Presents an instructional approach that utilizes paper-folding activities to help students understand the concept of fractions. Utilizes an area model of multiplication to extend the concept of multiplication of whole numbers to multiplication of fractions. (MDH)

Describes the model for decision making used in inferential statistics and real-world applications that parallel the statistical model. Discusses two activities that ask students to write about a personal decision-making experience and create a mock trial in which the class makes the decision of guilt or innocence. (MDH)

Insights from both cognitive psychology and learning disabilities intervention research are presented to improve understanding of the processes by which number fact fluency develops. Discussion includes assessment guidelines and learning strategies such as counting all, counting on, and alternative groupings. (Author/JDD)

Reports a study investigating the instructional use of microcomputers by secondary mathematics teachers, and discusses results from a sample of 128 completed questionnaires showing that computer utilization is hampered by inadequate access to equipment, lack of software appropriate to the mathematics curricula, and a lack of guidance for…

Describes two lessons in which a fifth grade teacher emphasized the mechanics of mathematics, such as carrying out various computational procedures, to her students. The first lesson introduced students to the concept of averages. In the second lesson, the teacher conducted class surveys to provide data for computing averages. (BB)

Reviews and compares "Gender and Mathematics" edited by Leone Burton and Valerie Walkerdine's book "Schoolgirl Fictions" on proposed truths related to gender issues in mathematics. Issues include (1) attention given to boys and girls in mathematics class; (2) the effects of noncompetitive classroom environments; and (3) sex differences in…

Presents activities to visually explore the algebraic concepts of variable, constant, the distributive property, and combining like terms. Presents four transparencies that use visual models to understand exercises in students perform the same mental calculations on a number of their choice and obtain the same result. (MDH)

Presents 11 open-ended questions that can be presented to students and teachers at all educational levels in various formats to assess mathematical beliefs. Questions investigate beliefs toward mathematics, the problem-solving process, mathematicians, and mathematical applications. (MDH)

Relates research findings on the way primary-grade students communicate mathematical ideas through the use of symbols to a framework for students to investigate the part-whole relationship of quantity. Discusses children's problem-solving abilities, linking word problems and symbols, the importance of context for understanding symbols, and the…

Discusses aspects of cooperative problem solving that include the selection of appropriate problems and the grading of group and individual papers using an analytical scoring scale. Offers six tips for grading cooperative problem solving. An appendix provides solutions to cited problems, potential follow-up questions, and an annotated…

This article presents the "concrete semiconcrete abstract" (CSA) teaching sequence for teaching basic math skills to students with and without learning disabilities. Guidelines include providing a minimum of nine instructional lessons (three at each level), each with four lesson steps. Validation of the CSA sequence and lesson format with 15…