Presented is a supplement to two previous collections of expanded abstracts of research with calculators. Eight reports are abstracted to add to the information on the effects of calculators on achievement and learning. The critical commentary prepared by each abstractor pinpoints particular strengths and weaknesses of each study. (MP)

One hundred twenty-eight undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions formed by crossing two levels of task difficulty (computationally easy or difficult problems) with two modes of calculation (solving by hand or calculator). When solving problems by hand, there was a large increase in state anxiety between easy and…

Intended for instructors in occupational education programs, this catalog identifies instructional materials found to be successful for teaching specific occupational competencies identified in the Instructional Support System for Occupational Education (ISSOE) in the area of business and office education. Contents include 151 materials reporting…

Presented is the third and fourth state-of-the-art reviews on the use of calculators in education, prepared in August 1980 and August 1981. Each presents information concerning the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) "An Agenda for Action: Recommendations for School Mathematics in the 1980's" position on calculator and…

Presented are seven Information Bulletins from the Calculator Information Center. Each addresses concerns that have arisen as teachers consider the use of calculators or begin to use calculators. Bulletin No. 1, prepared by Higgins, discusses "Types of Calculators." The second bulletin, compiled by Channell, presents some suggested…

A preliminary framework for research on effects of calculators on mathematics learning is presented. A research methodology is urged that places less emphasis on tight controls, exact replicability, and numbers amenable to statistical analysis. New curriculum needs to be developed that looks at the calculator as a mechanism to be explored in its…

This outline is for a pre-algebra course designed to prepare students for algebra or to satisfy a one-year mathematics requirement. A key purpose is to present a practical mathematical experience. A detailed outline is given with a suggested time allotment for each chapter. A discussion of each topic follows with teaching suggestions and examples.…

Three different methods of teaching fraction computation were compared using community college student scores on measures of fraction computation, fraction understanding, and attitude towards mathematics. One method used conventional algorithms; the second, a control for the effect of using a calculator, used conventional algorithms and…

This brief report describes an exploratory pilot project in which sixth-grade students used hand-held calculators throughout the school year. The report includes guidelines on the purchase and use of calculators as well as advice on gaining community support for such a project. Issues related to classroom management are discussed; in particular,…

This paper notes three objections to the use of hand-held calculators in schools: they would (1) block reasoning, (2) make individuals machine-dependent, and (3) broaden the gap between developed and underdeveloped nations. Each is addressed, with specific examples used to refute them. The belief is strongly expressed that calculators can aid in…

This series of four text-workbooks was designed for tenth grade mathematics students who have exhibited lack of problem-solving skills. Electric desk calculators are to be used with the text. In the first five chapters of the series, students learn how to use the machine while reviewing basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and…

The purpose of this study was to compare the achievement, attitudes, and teaching/learning experiences in mathematics programs of two groups of elementary-school students in grades 5 and 6. Approximately 150 students in each of two elementary schools were given as a pretest a standardized mathematics achievement test and a questionnaire regarding…

A method of finding large primes is described. High school students can use the test using hand calculators, or by programing a computer. (SD)

This product review discusses trends in the development of hand-held learning aids, including calculators. Two electronic spelling aids are described. Features include a speaker through which the machines respond to entries. (Author/MP)

An activity is presented in which students use eight-place pocket calculators to demonstrate their knowledge of correct order of operations for mathematical expressions. After performing an indicated computation and getting a result, the student inverts the calculator to obtain a word or abbreviation to be entered in a crossword puzzle. (MN)