This study was designed to: (1) outline briefly the meaning and importance of the family of concepts stemming from the ideas of estimation, approximation, checking, and precision; (2) survey the present place of such concepts in the curriculum; and (3) relate the teaching and learning of these concepts to the availability of the calculator as an…

The effect of the use of hand-held calculators on the arithmetic curriculum is explored. (SD)

This study was designed to investigate whether the implementation and integration of the use of the Explorer Calculator into the curriculum influenced students in grades three through six. The sample consisted of approximately 440 students who were assigned to the treatment group or the control group. Achievement scores from the Iowa Test of Basic…

School mathematics is governed by a powerful tradition as regards both content and methods. In the first stage of the Alternative Course of Mathematics (ALM) project, an analysis is being made of the mathematics used in the everyday life of the community. By interviewing adults and children outside school, an analysis is also being made of the way…

Increased emphasis on science and mathematics education research in Costa Rica since 1973 is reported. The majority of the studies carried out in the past 12 years have been diagnostic studies. General findings are listed, under the headings of certification, supervision, basic skills, teaching methods, attitudes, and curriculum. The diagnostic…

The focus of this document is on descriptions of calculators, microcomputers, and related educational technology and materials. Calculators are viewed as innovative teaching tools that can have both practical and pedagogical functions in the classroom to enhance understanding and achievement in mathematics. Microcomputers are seen as glorified…

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,…