This paper examines to show how an investigative approach to mathematics teaching can honor its two important dimensions--a thinking and reasoning side to go with the skill development. The paper addresses the question of why a problem solving approach has failed, makes the case for investigations as an overarching organizer, and discusses the…

Analysis of student achievement data following the introduction of graphics calculators to tertiary entrance examinations in mathematics in Western Australia suggests the possibility of an equity problem between the sexes in their usage. While males out-performed females in a number of categories, the most conclusive evidence emerged in questions…

This collection of essays examines the history and impact of computers in mathematics and mathematics education from the early, computer-assisted instruction efforts through LOGO, the constructivist educational software for K-9 schools developed in the 1980s, to MAPLE, the computer algebra system for mathematical problem solving developed in the…

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of graphing technology for the teaching of mathematics. This interest has been, in part, sparked by the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards and "Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education."…

This issue of Mathematics Education Dialogues focuses on the nature and the role of algebra in the K-14 curriculum. Articles on this theme include: (1) "Algebra For All? Why?" (Nel Noddings); (2) "Algebra For All: It's a Matter of Equity, Expectations, and Effectiveness" (Dorothy S. Strong and Nell B. Cobb); (3) "Don't Delay: Build and Talk about…

This paper presents two mathematics activities that model functions studied using the Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) software for TI-82 and TI-83 graphing calculators. The activities concern a bouncing ball experiment and modeling a decaying exponential function. (ASK)

This collection of activities is designed to show how TI-Interactive[TM] and Calculator-based Laboratories (CBL) can be used to explore topics in high school science. The activities address such topics as specific heat, Boyle's Law, Newton's Law of Cooling, and Antarctic Ozone Levels. Teaching notes and calculator instructions are included as are…

This paper discusses uses of TI-73 graphing calculators for middle school mathematics students. It indicates that with the appropriate use of the TI-73, students can develop understanding about variables and basic concepts of algebra, and explore mathematical topics. Background on middle school students' difficulties with those subjects is…

The central premise of this study was that the use of graphing calculator technology helped improve students' achievement in upper level biology courses. The populations studied included high school students in a block course entitled "AP Biology/AP Calculus" and students in a traditional AP Biology course. There appears to be a positive effect on…

Hand-held data collection technology allows for access to real-world data collection--at any other time and almost any place. Is the use of data and its collection desirable to the mathematical learning process? The answer is a resounding yes! Not only can significant mathematical ideas be taught in the process; colleagues are also helped in the…

Three examples are presented which involve constructions employing a compass, a centimeter ruler, and a calculator. Employing mathematical tools to support understanding and discovery of mathematical principles is viewed as being clearly a desire of mathematics educators, but it is felt such tools are not frequently used to their fullest. (MP)

An approach to equation solving using calculators that promotes the trial-and-error method as a useful strategy when combined with calculators is presented. The approach is specifically geared towards the secondary schools as a way of moving to harder equations that the linear and quadratic ones traditionally used. (MP)

The importance of computational skill for answering items in the quantitative thinking subtest of the Iowa Tests of Educational Development was investigated. Results show that computational skill is not a major factor contributing to the examinee's score on the subtest. (Author/GK)

Forty right-handed high school and college students were trained to operate calculators with their left hands. Results suggest the possibility of improving office machine operating speed, without significant loss of accuracy, by instructing trainees to operate the keyboard with the alternate hand while recording information with the dominant hand.…

The material is designed for student estimation of factors and divisors, with calculator use for checking estimations. Four worksheet masters are designed for classroom use. It is believed that problem-solving skills can be encouraged as students look for ways to improve on estimations. (MP)