Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Eighth-Grade Pre-Algebra: Rationale And Suggested Course Of Study, Carolyn C. Holland

Theses and Dissertations

The most recent curriculum guide for junior-high mathematics published by the Muscogee County School District and distributed in February, 1988, identifies five mathematics courses that may be offered in the Junior high schools throughout the system. For seventh graders, there are courses in remedial mathematics, regular mathematics, and pre-Algebra. For eighth graders, the guide lists two courses: remedial and regular. Algebra I 1s also offered at the Junior-high level for a select group of eighth-graders who score at or above the 85th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and who achieve a minimum score of 37 on the …

Wait Time: A Contributing Factor In Sex-Related Differences In Mathematics Instruction, Gwendolyn Sharpe

Theses and Dissertations

Four intact first year algebra classes and two teachers in a rural county of Georgia served as subjects for this study on wait time. The students were identified as high, medium, and low academic achievers on the basis of their performance on the math portion of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Wait time was measured from the video camera-recorded teaching sessions. Based upon the results of t-tests, no significant difference was found between the mean wait times given to boys and girls. An analysis of variance indicated significant differences among achievement levels. Low and high achievers were given more …

The Relationship Between The Initial Screening Instrument And The California Achievement Test In Kindergarten, Alana F. Losonsky

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the scores of kindergarten children on the Initial Screening Instrument (ISI) and the California Achievement Test (CAT). The subjects were 100 students who did not receive a passing score of seven on the ISI and 100 students who did receive seven or above in an urban public school system. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to compute the correlation coefficients. A significant relationship was found in Sound Recognition, Mathematical Concepts and the Composite Score. Sex and racial differences were also significant for children receiving scores …

Seventh-Grade Student Achievement In Length, Perimeter, Area And Volume, Cathy Pierce

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to measure seventh-grade achievement in finding length, perimeter, area and volume when four different presentations of the problem were given: standard textbook problems, word problems, students measuring, and problems labeled differently than the standard textbook problems. Each of the 235 subjects took one of four different measurement skills testes developed by the researcher. Results indicate student achievement decreases as the complexity of the attribute increases. Overall, students found standard textbook problems the easiest to solve, followed by word problems, and students measuring, respectively. Problems labeled differently than the standard textbook problem were the most difficult for …

Estimational Abilities And Mathematics Achievement Of Seventh Graders, Mary Elizabeth Mendenhall

Theses and Dissertations

Computational estimation and mental computation are two of the most neglected areas of today's mathematical curriculum. Much has been written about these two concepts, but little instruction has been carried out in the classroom (Johnson, 1979; Reys, 1986). Freeman (cited in Reys & Bestgen, 1981) states that less than 3% of textbooks had estimation lessons. Reys (1987) found that only 4% of lessons in all fourth-grade textbooks of the early 1980's deal with estimation. Also, Buchanan (1978, p. 2) observes that: "Instruction in. estimation is not something that has been tried and failed; it has not been tried on any …

Linear Measurement: A Prevocational Skills Curriculum Based On The Brigance Inventory Of Essential Skills, Linda Jane Kittle

All Graduate Projects

Student progress toward an educational goal can be enhanced by the use of a curriculum containing both assessment and instruction. This project is such a curriculum based on the linear measurement items of the Brigance Inventory of Essential Skills. The careful sequencing and prevocational nature of this curriculum, along with its record-keeping forms, make it especially useful for special education. It is also available as a data disk for use with Apple microcomputers.

A Supplementary Unit For The Average Level High School Geometry Course, Theresa Lynn Hulbert

All Graduate Projects

A set of worksheets were created to supplement high school geometry textbooks. The worksheet~ focus on the needs and abilities of the average or below average high school geometry students. The supplement consists of additional problems in areas where books are lacking, proofs with some of the statements or reasons filled in, and review problems.

Computer Banking And Cross-Referencing Of Mathematical Materials For The Elementary Grades, Daniel Jordan Martin

All Graduate Projects

The specific area and focus of this project will be that of arranging District and program math learning objectives for eventual computer banking along with materials cross-referenced to those objectives. In addition, the cross-referenced materials will be labeled as to grade level, interest level, mode of learning, and time needed for their use. The computer banking will facilitate use and prescriptive accessibility to given objectives.

The justification for such a project can be broken down into several areas: (1) the need of the elementary math teachers to have a bank of supplementary materials cross-referenced to facilitate their instruction of math …

Pattern And Mathematics: Math Enrichment Activities For Gifted Fourth, Fifth And Sixth Grade Children, Janet K. Zuber

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to provide assistance to the elementary math teacher in meeting the needs of the student gifted in the area of math. A collection of activities is provided to use with gifted intermediate students and should serve as an example of the type of activities appropriate for the gifted student. These activities would be most appropriately used with gifted students in grades four through six. The activities would be of greatest benefit if students were grouped in a homogeneous manner with one teacher taking responsibility for their math needs, Homogeneous grouping would allow for faster-paced …

Development Of The Minimum Competency Exam In Mathematics For The Hoquiam School District, John Daniel Descher

All Graduate Projects

Two competency exams (Test A and Test B) were constructed and field tested on high school students in the Hoquiam School District. Individual results were compared to respective Stanford Achievement Test scores. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate population differences. Results from Test A were compared to results from Test B. Also, differences between performances of juniors and seniors were analyzed. A further statistical analysis was performed to compare performances between boys and girls.

Transformational Geometry Unit, Elizabeth Ann O'Neill

All Graduate Projects

The study included the development and writing of a unit on transformational geometry which involved a holistic approach including the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. This unit was taught to the eighth grade class in the Oakville School District in Oakville, Washington. The results showed support that the teaching of this unit was effective.

The Development Of A Nongraded Mathematics Program For The Intermediate Grades In An Open Concept Middle School, Timothy D. Paschal

All Graduate Projects

During the spring of 1972 the teaching staff of Fairview Middle School, Central Kitsap School District, was engaged in re-examining its methods of instruction. The opportunity existed to facilitate this re-examination through applied administrative techniques. Beginning in the Spring of 1972, and continuing through the Spring of 1974, the teaching staff, with the aid of this writer, worked to reorganize and improve its methods of instruction

The purpose of the project was to apply those administrative techniques which would foster and sustain a motivational level, within the teaching staff, sufficient to reorganize and improve their methods of instruction. The thrust …

The Elements Of Mathematics Program: How Can It Be Evaluated?, Marilou Shames Giacofci

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

The Central Midwest Educational Research's (CEMREL) Elements of Mathematics Program (EM) for gifted students was piloted in Tidewater for five years. Before deciding whether to continue or expand the program, it was necessary to devise a method of evaluating the program's effectiveness. In the process of this evaluation, two separate com­parisons were made:

- a lateral comparison between an experimental and an existing control class over a period of four years, and

- a longitudinal comparison of successive experimental classes over a four year period.

Lateral Study

To insure comparability between the experimental and control classes, both were administered the …

Mediated Basic Math Fact Teaching Packages For Application By Parents: A Replication, Thomas Jackson Baker

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

No abstract.

Effects Of Points Exchangeable For Grades On Junior High Mathematics Students, James Edward Perkins

Master of Education Theses

This paper presents the effects of a token system used in a regular eighth grade mathematics class. Two classes containing 21 and 23 students were implemented. The study was designed to increase attendance, behavior, and mathematical achievement in a test group and measure the effects against a control group. The scores revealed a significant difference only in attendance favoring the test group.

Recommendations included pairing stronger reinforcers with the points used and suggestions for future research.

Traditional Vs. Individualized Fifth And Sixth Grade Arithmetic Program, Donald Paul Giaudrone

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a comparative study involving two methods of arithmetic instruction for fifth and sixth grade students. Thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using a traditional approach and thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using an individualized approach. Each group was divided into high, average, and low ability students and between group achievements compared at the end of an eight month period with encouraging results. Evaluation and statistical analysis followed. The findings were discussed and recommendations offered for further study.

Effects Of Points Exchangeable For Grades On Junior High Mathematics Students, James Edward Perkins

All Master's Theses

This paper presents the effects of a token system used in a regular eight grade mathematics class. Two classes containing 21 and 23 students were implemented. The study was designed to increase attendance, behavior, and mathematical achievement in a test group and measure the effects against a control group. The scores revealed a significant difference only in attendance favoring the test group.

Recommendations included pairing stronger reinforcers with the points used and suggestions for future research.

A Comparative Investigation Of The Effects Of Frequent Testing Upon Achievement In Secondary Advanced Algebra, John Thomas Fullerton

All Master's Theses

Relatively speaking, few studies have concerned themselves with the problem of frequent testing, and as Keys pointed out, empirical evidence, uncomplicated by differences in the amount of testing material employed, on the effects of frequent testing is, at best, scarce (14:427). Also many studies used tests and test results for direct instruction, thus introducing additional variables. Furthermore, the choice of subjects and disciplines has been limited, the better part being taken from college psychology and sociology classes or high school science classes. This investigation was not an attempt to modify previous experiments, nor was it an attempt to identify which …

An Evaluation Of An Early Introduction Of Algebra I To Junior High School Students On An Extended Basis, Ralph H. Peterson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the program of mathematics for eighth grade students that provides for an early introduction to Algebra I. The study will (1) gather evidence needed upon which to base a decision to continue the type of grouping described above, and (2) gather evidence to determine changes in the students' attitudes and interest concerning mathematics in general.

Final Examination Scores In Algebra As A Function Of Retesting, Otto Francis Ruud

All Master's Theses

Many teachers as well as students feel that our system of evaluation is far from perfect, but these same people have offered no alternative workable plan which would in whole or in part relieve the objections. Hopefully this study will demonstrate a philosophy of the teaching of mathematics in conjunction with a companion plan of evaluation which will relieve many of the basic objections while at the same time produce more learning. The philosophy that a more cooperative attitude in regard to assignments, testing, and make-up work are more conducive to learning is the basic aspect of this study. It …

The Development And Implementation Of An Auto-Tutorial Approach To Trade Mathematics, Warren Dwight Monroe

All Master's Theses

The problem of this thesis deals with the instruction of trade mathematics. The major problem involves teaching trade mathematics to a heterogeneous group of technical students. The final outcome must be students mathematically competent to function in their chosen technical area. The method of instruction must be flexible enough to allow for individual differences. The mode of instruction must be able to accept the student where he is mathematically and take him to where he needs to go. The procedure used to solve this thesis problem is the auto-tutorial method of instruction. The solution involved the development of performance objectives, …

The Level Of Mathematical Understanding Possessed By Prospective Elementary Teachers, William Dean Vodarski

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to determine the level of mathematical understanding possessed by prospective elementary teachers graduating from Central Washington State College. It was also the purpose to determine if the measured level of mathematical understanding is related to such factors as sex, education classes completed, mathematics classes completed, and grade level of student teaching.

A Survey Of Aerospace Education In Grades Nine Through Twelve In The State Of Washington, Judith Ann Isaac

All Master's Theses

The purposes of this study were: (1) to survey the incidence of aerospace education in grades nine through twelve of Washington State schools, (2) to discover what courses and units include such education in the curriculum, (3) to determine who the teachers are, and the nature of their preparation, (4) to gain a description of what kind of education is attempted under this heading, and (5) to discover what the opportunities are for expanded aerospace education within the schools surveyed.

Cauchy Extensions Of Integrals, Donald Wayne Carlton

All Master's Theses

This paper presents some ideas on a different approach to the teaching of integral calculus. The method presented here, though simple in nature, requires little alteration when new topics such as probability and series are developed.

An Investigation Of Mikusinski’S Operational Calculus, Darwin Chester Hahn

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was development of a field of Mikusinski operators in calculus.

Factors Related To Achievement In Modern Mathematical Concepts In The Elementary School, Maxine Hanna Cochran

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

No abstract.

The Development Of Arithmetical Concepts With Use Of Manipulative Materials, Elsie O. Deatherage

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this paper to show how manipulative aids were used to develop arithmetic concepts in a first grade in Selah, Washington. These arithmetic concepts are widely used in grade one according to Gunderson and Hollister, Edwina Deans, Grossnickle, and others.

A Proposed Curricula Time Schedule Appliance To Eighth Grade Modern Mathematics, James Parker Eastham

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine several possible curricula time schedules in light of the objectives of eighth grade modern mathematics, and to develop a schedule best suited to meet these objectives. It was further postulated that a flexible schedule would: 1. allow time for completion of materials by students with average and above capabilities. 2. allow for student individual differences. 3. allow most effective use of staff.

A Proposed Curriculum Of Ninth-Grade Mathematics For Chief Joseph Junior High School, George Michael Mathews

Graduate Student Research Papers

This study's purpose is to develop a flexible-scheduling program in ninth-grade mathematics for Chief Joseph Junior High School, Richland, Washington, which can be integrated into the over-all curriculum at the time when the school adopts the idea of flexibility.

A Longitudinal Program Of Individualized Arithmetic Instruction In Grades Four, Five And Six, Charles Gordon Libby

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this research paper to develop a longitudinal program of individualized instruction in arithmetic that (1) would meet the individual needs of children in grades four, five and six; (2) could be used in a graded elementary school situation; and (3) could be adapted to the Scott Foresman program of mathematics.