Presents definition, examples, and instructional ideas for secondary school science and mathematics teaching of concept of reliability in accuracy of measurement and dependability of performance. (JM)

A collection of brief articles on mathematics and teaching mathematics. (FL)

The importance of teaching mathematical concepts is stressed. How they can be taught and how preservice teachers can be trained to teach them are delineated. (MNS)

This critique focuses on Gagne's attempt to apply information-processing theory to mathematics education, noting that this distorts what it means to learn mathematics. This is discussed with specific illustrations. (MNS)

Almost two-thirds of the eighth graders and preservice elementary teachers tested said that gardens with the same perimeter had the same area. Suggestions for teaching area are given. (MNS)

Between 1966 and 1975, the entire Soviet school mathematics program was redesigned by a reform commission. New textbooks were written for all grades. Set theory was widely adopted, along with infusions of more conceptual, abstract mathematics. The articles in this issue critique these reforms. (RM)

An exploration approach with calculators that promotes student investigation and development of mathematical processes and concepts is highlighted. The presentation helps to highlight the enormous potential of calculators to facilitate new and imaginative approaches to certain areas of number work, and shows how student interest is promoted. (MP)

This study, based on individual interviews with 100 students (aged 16 to 22 years), was designed to investigate understanding of elementary calculus (particularly integration and differentiation). Results indicated that items related to understanding integration as the limit of a sum were difficult even for good students. (Author/MP)

The material focuses on the power and usefulness of the number three and is presented as though the number was being interviewed. Among the issues covered in the presentation is the impossibility of dividing an angle into three equal parts using just a straight edge and a compass. (Author/MP)

The material presents an alternative method for arranging proofs, which arranges development in levels. The method is described as triggered by recent ideas from computer science and is intended to increase the comprehensibility of mathematical presentations while retaining their rigor. Several examples using this approach are presented.…

An attempt is made to show that algebra is rarely obvious, and merely expecting children to learn rules is an oversimplification. Sections cover: (1) The Non-visual Nature of Algebra; (2) The Apparently Arbitrary Nature of Algebra; (3) The Relationship Between Symbolism, System and Question; (4) The Complex Nature of Algebra; and (5) Some…

Language arts (oral and written communication), physical education (communication with motor skills), and mathematics (communication with words and symbols), are seen to present the most natural environment for instruction on spatial relations. Activities are suggested which can combine these areas and provide pupils with an enjoyable learning…