Perimeter and area are important real-world concepts in their own right, and their relationship certainly is no less important. This relationship can be intuitively challenging for both children and adults. In this article, the author explores the relationship between perimeter and area with students from grades 4 to 6. The study of perimeter-area…

This article describes a unit of instruction designed to promote algebraic thinking in second graders. Students examined second- and fourth-grade students' ages and heights on a table and graph and described the patterns that they observed in the data.

In 2 experiments with 74 high school students, subjects studied worked examples while learning how to translate English expressions into algebraic equations. Those using worked examples outperformed the control group on posttests, made fewer errors, completed work more rapidly, and required less assistance from the teacher. (SLD)

The "I CAN Learn[R] Mathematics Curriculum" is designed to help ethnically diverse, inner-city students in grades 7 through 10 achieve parity in mathematics and problem-solving skills. It uses an interactive software program to teach pre-algebra and algebra. The "I CAN Learn[R] Algebra 1" course, which was used in all of the…

How did it happen that both full-time and adjunct faculty at Scottsdale Community College embrace a standards-based curriculum from beginning algebra through differential equations? Simply put, it didn't just happen. Not only did it take well over a decade, but it was also the result of a sequence of initiatives, decisions, discussions, targeted…

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of web-based homework (WBH) assignments on the overall comprehension measured by the final examination in a first year college algebra course. This study included 1653 students over a three year period. Results indicate a strong correlation between achievement on the WBH assignments…

This general achievement trends profile includes information that the Center on Education Policy (CEP) and the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) obtained from states from fall 2008 through April 2009. Included herein are: (1) Bullet points summarizing key findings about achievement trends in that state at three performance…

This study examined practices of teachers in Wake County Public Schools' (WCPSS) middle school Algebra I classes. Regression analyses of standardized state testing results allowed for identification of the most effective and least effective Algebra I teachers. The study used surveys, observations, and focus group interviews to compare and contrast…

This document presents activities and information related to Fibonacci numbers, which are based upon the Golden Ratio, in areas of the arts, sciences, and mathematics. The work is organized into eight chapters: (1) "Origins and Definitions"; (2) "Fibonacci Numbers in Nature"; (3) "Fibonacci Numbers in Art and…

This study reports evaluation data from a statewide inservice project to retrain mathematics teachers to implement a new algebra curriculum required by all students for high school graduation. The new course places more emphasis on problem solving, use of graphing calculators, and real-life applications. Pretest and posttest data were collected…

A study was conducted at California's Orange Coast College (OCC) to determine if students who completed college algebra at OCC or at another college prior to enrolling in the college's calculus for business, management, and social sciences (CBMSS) course performed significantly better than students who had not previously completed college algebra.…

Four classes (n=53) of Basic Algebra and five classes (n=50) of Intermediate Algebra in a community college setting were randomly assigned to sections either using or not using computer assisted instruction (CAI) supplemental to classroom instruction. Based on standardized pre- and posttest scores, students using supplemental CAI in Basic Algebra…

The Colorado Model Content Standards for Mathematics were designed to serve as a guide for school districts as they define standards that will enable every Colorado student to develop the mathematical literacy needed for citizenship and employment in the 21st century. A new vision is provided of the content students should study in order to…

In the attempt to improve the quality of geometry instruction in schools, researchers and teachers alike have given considerable attention to the van Hiele theory of geometry learning and development, which proposes a series of cognitive levels through which every geometry student passes. This paper reports a study to determine the extent to which…

This paper discusses an experiment designed to determine the effects of a problem-solving approach to instruction (PSAI) on eighth grade Algebra I students. Comparisons were made of the scores from the 1991 and 1993 Subject Area Testing Program--Algebra I of skills taught via PSAI and skills taught traditionally. In 1991 (n=56) eighth grade…