Describes a concerns-based approach to professional development programs designed to implement current reforms in mathematics education. Identifies seven Stages of Concern and includes a table of typical statements, expressions of concern, and intervention strategies a change facilitator can follow with teachers at each stage. (MDH)

Describes the use of interactive videodiscs in middle schools and high schools for science and math instruction. Topics discussed include establishing multimedia workstations; positive student attitudes; combining computer software and videodiscs; decreases in failure rates; positive motivation; pacing for individual needs; and effective time…

Compares the relationship between local or national control over curricular issues and the content of mathematics instruction in 15 national educational systems. Finds in systems with national control, teachers are more likely to teach the same curriculum and the amount of the mathematics curriculum actually taught is unrelated to student or…

Discusses the value of writing assignments in mathematics instruction. Advocates informal, lengthy, nongraded writing as the best form of learning. Encourages the use of a learning log by students which is reviewed by both teachers and fellow students. Provides examples of short in-class mathematics writing assignments. (PAA)

Described are ways in which some teachers have used a software package called "The Geometric Supposer." The development of inquiry skills is stressed. Recommendations for students using the Supposer are provided. (CW)

Uses conic sections, trigonometric functions, and polar coordinates to solve the problem of determining the shape of a baseball outfield fence, given the distances along the foul lines and to straightaway center field. Graphing programs and calculators are utilized to plot different solutions. (MDH)

Examples of composite functions present students with intriguing questions that they can explore using calculators and computers, geometric and algebraic methods, and approximation techniques. Student-centered activities allow students to make discoveries about functions. (MLN)

Gives suggestions to help students generalize skills so that they can use them in a variety of situations inside and outside of the mathematics classroom. Addresses uses of ratio and proportion but suggestions are also applicable to other mathematical topics. (MLN)

This study examined the impact of a brief relationship in which pairs of rookie and veteran teachers focused on diagnostic assessment in mathematical environments in primary grade classrooms. Results highlighted significant differences in what veteran and rookie teachers saw in mathematical learning environments; the combined view was balanced and…

Asserts that social studies instruction can help teach mathematical reasoning skills through integrated activities. Recommends heterogeneous grouping to ensure that students have access to mathematics instruction. Includes four activities combining social studies content with mathematical skill instruction. (CFR)

Responses of students in grades K-10 (42 interviewed; 98 written) to 4 common fractions problems were analyzed for iconic mode processes in relationship to concrete symbolic mode development. Concludes that progress in the latter, without development of complementary iconic support, limits both understanding and flexibility in solving problems.…

Presents activities which use graphing calculators to explore parametric equations of spirals, circles, and polygons. (MKR)

Describes research which compared the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by (n=3) teachers and (n=29) children aged 5-8 for interpreting subtraction operations represented in numerical form. Some representations and strategies appeared to impose an extra processing load which can interfere with conceptual…

This paper is concerned with pupils' learning of the concept of variable in the LOGO programing environment and how this relates to teaching. Results from three research projects are described and compared in a discussion of how improvements in learning have been influenced by a refinement in teaching method. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/MDH)

Describes a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers that has teaching and learning mathematics via problem solving at its core. Presents a problem-solving activity involving number theory and reactions by the students and teacher to the activity. (MDH)