The focus is on aspects of learning and teaching mathematics in which the "distance" between the mother tongue of the learner and the language which dictated the design of the curriculum plays a major role. Illustrations concern students in Botswana. (MNS)

Out-of-date textbooks, inappropriate tests, and underprepared teachers have left mathematics in the classroom in disarray. The need for a permanent national capability to influence all agencies responsible for mathematics education is discussed. (MLW)

Describes design, implementation, and evaluation of an interactive video lesson in preparatory algebra based on Gagne's instructional design principles, which was developed at the University of Utah. Highlights include learning objectives; program design elements, particularly use of reference files; areas addressed in formative evaluation; and…

Examines secondary school student behavior in a computer assisted instruction course on transformational geometry which gave students option of selecting objectives within topics and then choosing either instruction or a test first. Results are discussed in terms of relationships between learner-control strategy, strategy consistency and…

This study surveyed 91 special education teachers to determine perceived mathematical needs of exceptional children, ways teachers assess skill deficits, and teachers' methods and backgrounds. The continuum of skills corresponded to the standard curriculum. (MNS)

The Association of Educational Data Systems (AEDS) conference included 102 presentations. Abstracts of seven of these presentations are provided. Topic areas considered include LOGO, teaching probability through a computer game, writing effective computer assisted instructional materials, computer literacy, research on instructional…

Multiplication rock music was conceived as a way to teach multiplication to children. The songs had to be deviously educational, teaching the children without their realizing they were being taught and had to complement the methods of the new math. The project that produced the music is described. (RM)

Implications of using pupil-to-pupil discussion with mathematics classrooms are discussed, with different ways in which such discussion might promote mathematical understanding. A framework for instruction includes the learning of the computer language Logo. (MNS)

An investigation of how secondary students coped when taught binary arithmetic through a computer assisted instruction program used four treatment groups: learner control, learner control with advice; random program control, and adaptive program control. The random group performed less well, but no differences were found between learner and…

Discussion of Logo use to teach children computer programing covers the educational theory behind Logo, how it differs from other programing languages, its educational promise, its graphics capabilities, Logo research, and different versions available. It is argued that educational computing will succeed only if it provides new ways of teaching.…

Three studies on the development of number concepts (counting, addition, subtraction, and place value) in seven- to nine-year-olds considered low attainers in mathematics were conducted. The search for a descriptive framework, the development of a diagnostic assessment instrument, and a longitudinal study are reported. (MNS)

Achievement and student attitudes were studied using data from 250 secondary Ontario mathematics classes. The differences between semester schools versus year-long schools were examined. Hours of instruction and teachers' experience were also noted. Lower achievement was observed in semester classes, with no advantage in student attitudes.…

Activities are given to assist students in seeing a rationale for the difficult algorithms we teach for fractions. Both interpretations of fractions and operations with fractions are discussed. (MNS)

A six-lesson unit on computing the palindromic sum of any given two-digit number is outlined. To write a brief, efficient computer program, students need to use several computer functions not typically applied in beginning programs. (MNS)

The Young Historians project provides abundant opportunities for students in grades one through six to apply basic reading, writing, listening, speaking, and computing skills learned during reading and math and to learn firsthand about their own heritage and the many resources in their own community. (RM)