Describes the relationship between learning opportunities and the negotiation of social norms in mathematics class discussions based on data from interviews and observation of a third-grade classroom. Includes several transcripts of observations. (31 references) (MKR)

Characterizes the commonalities of four exemplary mathematics teachers based on data gathered from interviews, tests on content knowledge, discussions, and observations in terms of their mathematical preparation; conceptions of mathematics, roles of teachers and students, assessment, and teaching; and teaching practices. (43 references) (MKR)

Investigated the upper limits of (n=22) seventh-grade students' informal processes in solving first degree equations in one unknown prior to instruction. Results indicated the existence of a cognitive gap between arithmetic and algebra characterized as the students' inability to operate spontaneously with or on the unknown. (37 references)…

Discusses North Carolina's alternative assessment program for first and second grades, the process of implementation, knowledge gained from the program, and implications for implementing Standard 6 (focusing on analyzing and interconnecting teaching and learning) of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Professional Teaching Standards.…

Surveyed 190 Greek kindergarten teachers about their academic background and use of mathematical activities in the classroom. Found that teachers with advanced academic preparation, with more experience, who taught in urban areas, or who taught at private kindergartens, used more mathematical activities with their students than less educated, less…

Uses three methods to analyze the intended curriculum in countries participating in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Explains the use of Topic Trace Mapping as a tool to examine the issue of depth versus breadth in the curriculum. Includes three figures illustrating the results of Topic Trace Mapping. (CFR)

A study of student/teacher interaction patterns in 11 Austrian grammar school mathematics classes was conducted to examine gender-specific classroom management methods. Results indicated no gender differences, but five types of gender-related modifications of the ordinary interaction patterns are identified that produce greater success for boys.…

Presented is a series of eight hands-on exercises using Apple II computer graphics to investigate the following characteristics of periodic functions: period, amplitude, horizontal shift, and vertical shift. Detailed teacher instructions and the accompanying computer program are included. (MDH)

Examined are the three regular tessellations and derived semiregular tessellations whose regular polygons meet at common vertices. Included are BASIC computer program listings that explore the various combinations of regular polygons that can form regular or semiregular tessellations. (JJK)

Described are three activities designed to increase student participation in the classroom. The first uses earthquake reporting to study logarithms. The second discusses student-generated examples to introduce probability. In the third, prepared handouts and study groups are used to promote student interaction and involvement in calculus classes.…

Learning activities to develop skills in various curriculum areas including language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are presented, focusing on the theme of education in centuries past. Sample activities include contrasting the Spartan and Athenian educational systems and using Pestalozzi's charts for math functions. (DB)

Describes three components of a seminar in mathematical problem solving for preservice mathematics teachers: (1) a cognitive component that accents particular phases of problem solving; (2) an affective component that allows for observation of skillful problem solvers; and (3) an investigative component that provides for independent study and…

Describes the process of problem identification, data collection, and generalization in a mathematical experiment to find the speed at which a bug travels at the end of a fan blade. Presents the learning outcomes of the experiment and possible implications of using this teaching method. (MDH)

Discusses solutions to real-world linear particle-motion problems using graphing calculators to simulate the motion and traditional analytic methods of calculus. Applications include (1) changing circular or curvilinear motion into linear motion and (2) linear particle accelerators in physics. (MDH)

Discusses a problem in which students are asked to determine a way of cutting the corners off different denominations of paper currency enabling visually impaired individuals to distinguish between the bills with the condition that further cuts will not increase the value of the bills. Reconstructs a solution from classroom experiences. (MDH)