The study of linear functions is important as it provides students with their first experience of identifying and interpreting the relationship between two dependent variables. This paper, which builds on previous research, reports a study undertaken with 64 year 9 students from two Australian schools. Linear functions were introduced to these…

This paper presents teaching strategies and examples developed for a two-semester sequence in quantitative problem solving, specifically outlining a non-calculus derivation of linear regression formulas supported by the graphical display of the TI-83 calculator to visualize the minimization of the sum-squared vertical distances. The paper…

This digest provides a guide to improving student achievement in mathematics education and suggests resources for further study. It provides recommendations for the classroom and is a companion piece to "Improving Student Achievement in Mathematics, Part I: Research Findings." Recommendations include that students can learn both concepts…

A position statement on the use of calculators was published in 1991 in which the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) strongly urged that calculator usage be promoted by school districts, teachers at every level, authors, and educators. In the 2000 publication of Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, NCTM noted that…

This paper presents some ideas on how to utilize TI-83 Plus calculators to perform division of one polynomial (the divided) by another polynomial (the divisor) and how that procedure might be incorporated into a college algebra lesson. Four ways to obtain the quotient and remainder when dividing a polynomial by a first-degree polynomial are…

This digest summarizes research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education. Among the findings are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following individual and group work improves student achievement; and using calculators in the learning of mathematics can result in increased…

Based on a summary of research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education, which is presented in Part 1, the companion to this digest, recommendations are given to improve mathematics teaching practices. Among the recommendations are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following…

This study extended over three months and involved 344 subjects. It compared the performance and attitudes of seventh-grade students taught geometry using the TI-92 calculator and a supplementary activity manual written to be used with the TI-92 calculator with the performance and attitudes of students using the traditional approach. On a…

The pocket calculator is getting to be so low in price and so easily come by that it may well soon become standard equipment in the math class. (Author)

The author looks at the educational merits of some of the new hand-held computer games, such as "The Little Professor,"" Speak and Spell," and "Astrowar." Games are grouped in five categories: mathematics; spelling and words; pattern-logic; strategy sports games; and miscellaneous. Manufacturers and prices are provided. (SJL)

Describes the development of computers and calculators, noting intitial resistance to and later acceptance of calculators in the classroom. Advocates teaching children to perform simple calculations and stresses estimation skills over speed and accuracy for doing long, complicated computations. Includes recommendations for classroom calculator use…

This paper demonstrates how calculators may be used to motivate a concept called infinite composition of functions. Several mathematical topics, such as continued square roots, continued fractions, and infinite products are treated and discussed as special cases. (Author/MK)

Reports on a survey of Missouri teachers' knowledge about, practices with, and attitudes toward the use of calculators in mathematics instruction. Teachers were unaware of many uses for calculators and were unfamiliar with research on their use. (IRT)

Two games and one activity designed to be used with a hand-held calculator are presented. (MK)