Introduces the concept of maximum and minimum function values as turning points on the function's graphic representation and presents a method for finding these values without using calculus. The process of utilizing transformations to find the turning point of a quadratic function is extended to find the turning points of cubic functions. (MDH)

Researchers investigated the effects of metacognitive mathematics instruction on low-ability, mainly Hispanic, sixth graders. Lack of linguistic, strategic, and procedural knowledge was the major source of errors in solving problems. Pre- and posttesting indicated students receiving metacognitive instruction progressed as problem solvers and…

Describes background, focus, expectations, results, and comments concerning an undergraduate capstone course in the history of applied mathematics. Content area writing as a learning activity is recommended to promote an understanding of the history of the developments in mathematics which led to present day techniques, vocabulary, and…

Examines the effects of writing assignments on more than 250 undergraduate students' attitudes and on their classroom performance. The experimental writing group perceived both the subject matter and the course requirements more favorably, and also scored somewhat higher on average for the final examination, though not significantly higher than…

Describes the application of expert systems to provide computer-assisted instruction support to students to facilitate their learning of both fundamental and advanced statistical concepts. Provides examples of both a modular system and an integrated system which utilize VP-Expert, an expert system development shell. (14 references) (Author)

Presents contributions by six mathematics teachers responding to the question: "How has the history of mathematics mattered to me in my mathematics teaching?" Answers touch the topics of how and why, how benefits are accrued, use of original texts, integration into core curriculum courses, and pitfalls of history. (MDH)

Presents an attempt to combine the history of mathematics of ancient Greece with the course on theoretical geometry taught in Greek secondary schools. Three sections present the history of ancient Greek geometry, geometrical constructions using straightedges and compasses, and an application of Ptolemy's theorem in solving ancient astronomy…

Presents a student project that requires students to create a puzzle involving some form of manipulative and present it to the class with an advertisement. Uses writing to have students report on their progress. (MDH)

The author's personal experiences in overcoming mathematics anxiety provide insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment to help students develop self-confidence by assessing students' feelings, using cooperative-learning techniques, showing more patience, and having students write about their experiences. (MDH)

A faculty member at the California Institute of Technology designs and teaches classes in computer animation that have helped revolutionize the way mathematics is taught through television and videotapes. The programs are widely used in high schools and colleges. Humor differentiates this work from other instructional packages. (MSE)

Outlines a constructivist model for teaching basic mathematical concepts and processes to underprepared college students. Explores five types of classroom interaction incorporated into the model, including peer teaching, interactive teaching, and independent learning. Reports on an assessment of the constructivist approach at the University of…

Presents a simple mathematical model in which resultant speed is the sum or difference between wind speed and runner speed and a more complex model that assumes that only a proportion of the wind's speed affects one's running speed to describe the time difference between running with and without wind. (MDH)

Six students (ages 12-14) with learning disabilities received either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction for mathematical problem solving, followed by instruction in the complementary component. Results indicated that cognitive and metacognitive strategies were more effective than either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction…

Profiled interviews of (n=41) kindergarten and first-grade children's numerical development over a school year. Significant mismatches between children's numerical development and typical curricula are described, and changes to current practice are recommended. Appendix includes sample interview tasks. (Contains 21 references.) (MKR)

Presents a study of multimedia technology used for teaching mathematics. Discussion includes tentative conclusions about the merits of different styles of multimedia; three of the most popular multimedia modules and their use; and features that seem to distinguish multimedia and computer-based lessons. (10 references) (KRN)