Reviews three geometry textbooks in order to examine both the quantity and content of algebra review. Concludes that although the books incorporate a great deal of algebra, much of it is noncontextual review. (ASK)

Focuses on changes in attitude toward mathematics and calculator use and changes in how general mathematics students naturalistically solve algebraic problems. Uses a survey to determine whether a student is rule-based. Concludes that the rule-based students used an equation to solve the algebraic word problem whereas the non-rule-based students…

Investigates whether three cognitive components of language proficiency--metalinguistic awareness of symbol, syntax, and ambiguity--are associated with students' success in learning algebraic notation. Reports that very few students with low metalinguistic awareness scores achieved high algebra scores in a total sample of more than 1500 students.…

Presents a method for introducing students to broken-line functions with unbroken domains. Concludes that a unit on broken-line functions should enhance students' understanding of the function concept. (ASK)

Describes teacher and student experiences in a college algebra course at a high school when assessment practices changed. (ASK)

Demonstrates a change in the goals of teaching the algebra of equation-solving in Victoria, Australia that requires a transition from a way of solving problems in arithmetic to a conceptually new algebraic way. Contains 20 references. (Author/ASK)

Presents a mathematical puzzle that asks about "missing" area and leads to an exploration of the Fibonacci sequence as well as genuine inquiry in plane geometry connected to algebra. Discusses the inquiry, the concepts, the solution, and an extension that deepens all students' understanding of the connections between algebra and…

Demonstrates that the equation of a circle (x-h)2 + (y-k)2 = r2 with center (h; k) and radius r reduces to a quadratic equation x2-2xh + (h2 + k2 -r2) = O at the intersection with the x-axis. Illustrates how to determine the center of a circle as well as a point on a circle. (Author/ASK)

Examined beliefs of elementary, middle, and high school mathematics teachers regarding algebra development. Found that teachers held a symbol-precedence view of student mathematical development. High school teachers were most likely to hold the symbol-precedence view and made the poorest predictions of students' performance, whereas middle school…

Uses articles on children's thinking to find out and improve student teachers' thinking about algebra and proof. (ASK)

Cooperative student work often fails to generate individual understanding of abstract algebra materials. Suggests techniques that enable abstract algebra students to master proofs and enhance cooperative work. (Author/ASK)

Presents problems from the Mathematics in Context (MiC) project with a central theme concerning the construction of a variety of formulas by students. (AIM)

Considers some of the implications of replacing, for the purposes of physics instruction, algebraic notation with programming language. Introduces a framework based on two theoretical constructs. Concludes that algebra-physics can be characterized as the physics of balance and equilibrium and programming-physics as the physics of processes and…

Describes what may be called the next step in making the most effective use of real-life problems in collaborative learning exercises for the classroom. Proceeds from two premises: real-life problems should be used to introduce concepts, and students need to experience mathematics as a process. Illustrates a series of group projects that develop…

Students can learn to make algebra, trigonometry, and geometry work for them by using matrices to rotate figures on the graphics screen of a graphing calculator. Includes a software program, TRNSFORM, for the TI-81 graphing calculator which can draw and rotate a triangle. (MKR)