Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Writing Assignments On Second-Semester Calculus Students' Understanding Of The Limit Concept, Melanie A. Wahlberg

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of writing assignments on second-semester calculus students’ understanding of the limit concept, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study involved two sections of second semester calculus (n = 37, 34) at Western Michigan University during the fall semester of 1997.

The treatment group completed six writing tasks focusing on the mathematical concept of limit. These conceptually-oriented writing assignments replaced some of the problem sets that the instructor would have normally assigned. The control group did not engage in writing tasks but handed in problem sets more frequently than the …

Fostering Reflective Thinking In First-Semester Calculus Students, Pamela Crawford

Dissertations

This study focuses on the fostering of reflective thinking in students in a reform calculus course through completion of homework assignments incorporating reflective tasks, and the effect of these assignments on student understandings of calculus and conceptions of mathematics. The study, conducted in Fall 1997, involved two sections of first-semester calculus at a large midwestern university and used quantitative (n = 25, 18) and qualitative (n = 7) techniques.

Homework assignments incorporating reflective tasks included asking students to compare and contrast textbook ideas; to write about how obstacles were overcome as they attempted exercises; to develop concept maps organizing and …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 10, No. 5, May 15, 1998

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A Study Of How The Results Of The Third International Mathematics And Science Study Might Be Used To Promote Improvement In Mathematics And Science Locally, Joyce O. Watson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

An applied project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Education Specialist at Morehead State University by Joyce O. Watson on May 10, 1998.

An Opinionnaire Of Secondary School Mathematics Instructors Regarding Block Scheduling, Elaine M. Groman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of block scheduling on mathematics instruction at the secondary level in New Jersey public schools.

Surveys were sent to ten high schools identified as using block scheduling in New Jersey. Mathematics teachers and supervisors were asked to evaluate block scheduling and rate the impact it has on a scale from great effect to little effect in the areas of curriculum coverage, amount of time spent reviewing previously covered material, coverage of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards and sequence of mathematics courses a student takes. AP Calculus instructors were asked …

Strategies To Improve H.S.P.T. Scores In The Ninth Grade Mathematics Curriculum, Monifa I. Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to integrate strategies in the ninth grade Mathematics curriculum with a goal of improving High School Proficiency Test scores. This study was designed to meet the needs for the students serviced at Pleasantville High School. Over the past five years Pleasantville High School students have demonstrated erratic behavior on the state mandated HSPT11. Eleventh grade first time test takers have yet to meet the 85% acceptable passing rate for this population. The school district must provide an educational environment where all can learn and find success. This includes preparing students for responsible citizenship, higher …

Thinking About The Preparation Of Teachers Of Elementary School Mathematics, Jane Wenstrom, Kathleen Martin, Susan King

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Problems That Matter: Teaching Mathematics As Critical Engagement, Jeffrey Bohl

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

On Solving Equations, Negative Numbers, And Other Absurdities: Part I, Ralph A. Raimi

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Real Data, Real Math, All Classes, No Kidding, Martin Vern Bonsangue

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network Newsletter – Spring 1998

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

Earth Science in the Community - A New Professional Development Opportunity, David C. Gosselin, NESEN Director

Terrestrial Trivia

1998 Summer Workshops - Join Us in July

Students Make Waves at International Groundwater Summit

A STEDII Spring

The Nebraska Earth Science Information Center

Now at ESIC

More Summer Opportunities

Trends In Teaching Object-Oriented Programming At The Community College Level, Thomas W. Fargnoli

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the current trends in teaching object-oriented programming at the community college level. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all community colleges in the state of New Jersey to assess the extent of object-oriented material offered in computer science courses. Nine community colleges participated in the study.

All nine colleges reported offering at least one course containing some degree of object-oriented material. Of the eighty-five computer science courses offered, thirty of them (35%) contained some degree of object-oriented material. The degree of the object-oriented material ranged from 5% to 100%. Fourteen of …

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 10, No. 4, April 25, 1998

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The Annual Meeting Of The Iowa Academy Of Science April 24-25, 1998 [Program, 110th Meeting], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Program Summary -- 3
General Session Speakers -- 5
Awards -- 8
Symposia Programs -- 9
Poster Session -- 10
Map -- Centerfold
Section Programs/Special Sessions -- 14
Agricultural Sciences -- 14
Anthropology -- 15
Botany -- 15
Biology: Cellular, Molecular, & Microbiology -- 16
Chemical Education -- 17
Chemistry: Inorganic, Analytical & Physical -- 17
Conservation -- 18
Engineering -- 19
Geology -- 23
Physics -- 24
Physiology -- 25
Psychology/Linguistics -- 27
Science Teaching -- 28
Zoology -- 28
Local Arrangements Committee -- 29
IAS Officers & Directors -- 29
IAS Annual Meeting Committee -- 30
Future …

Iowa Academy Of Science President's Banquet [110th Session], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Program:

Introductions
Awards:
Distinguished Fellow: Richard W. Arnold
Distinguished Service: Paul E. Rider
Distinguished Iowa Science Teacher: Charles D. Drewes
President's Address - Richard Lampe
Response - James Christiansen, President-Elect
General Sessions II - Bob Becker, "Chemical Demonstrations to Knock Your Socks Off"

110th Session Iowa Academy Of Science Awards Luncheon, April 24, 1998, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Program:

--- Introductions - Richard Lampe, President
--- Recognition of students participating in various statewide activities - Ed Rezabek, Chair, Student Programs Committee
--- Presentation of scholarship winners and 1999 AJAS representatives - Peggy Tilgner, Director, Iowa Junior Academy of Science
--- Presentation of Excellence in Science Teaching Awards - Peg Steffen, Director, ESTA Program

Program Abstracts, 110th Session, Iowa Academy Of Science, April 24-25, 1998, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Presentation abstracts from the annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science

Students' Perceptions And Supervisors' Rating As Assessments Of Interactive-Constructivist Science Teaching In Elementary School., James Shymansky, Larry Yore, Laura Henriques, John Dunkhase, Jean Bancroft

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

This study took place within the context of a four-year local systemic reform effort collaboratively undertaken by the Science Education Center at the University of Iowa and the Iowa City Community School District. The goal of the project was to move teachers towards an interactive-constructivist model of teaching and learning that assumes a middle-of-the-road interpretation of constructivism, where hands-on activities are used selectively and purposefully to challenge students' ideas, promote deep processing, and achieve conceptual change. The research focus of this study was to verify the use of students' perceptions and attitudes and the supervisor's ratings as measures of teachers' …

Increasing Student Achievement With Cooperative Learning, Curriculum Changes, And Portfolio Assessment, Lois S. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine if student achievement could be approved by curriculum changes within a cooperative learning framework and the use of portfolio assessment. Students in two classes were involved in the study. Both classes received the same instruction, worksheet and quizzes. In addition, one class worked individually to complete the worksheets to prepare for weekly quizzes. The other class used the cooperative learning technique - Student Teams Achievement Divisions. The cooperative learning students worked in groups of four to complete the worksheets to prepare for the weekly quizzes. The goal was to have everyone in …

Do Students Really Notice? A Study Of The Impact Of A Local Systemic Reform., James Shymansky, Larry Yore, John Dunkhase, Brian Hand

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

This paper describes a major reform effort of an elementary science curriculum called the Science: Parents, Activities, and Literature (Science PALs) Project. The goal of the project was to move teachers towards an interactive-constructivist model of teaching and learning that assumes a middle-of-the-road interpretation of constructivism where hands-on activities are used selectively and purposefully to challenge students' ideas, promote deep processing, and achieve conceptual change. The program also enriches the cross-curricular connections of the science units and promotes meaningful parental involvement. A broad question was raised as to whether or not students really notice. This study explored elementary school students' …

Do Smaller Classes Mean Greater Academic Achievement In High School Biology Classes?, Elaine Awalt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if students in small classes would show greater academic achievement in high school biology classes. The study involved two high school biology classes, one with an enrollment of 20 students, and one with an enrollment of 25 students. Both groups of students were given pretests on the subject of invertebrates. A four week study of this topic followed. Teaching techniques and assignments were identical for the two groups. At the end of the four week study a posttest was given to all students.

The results of the pre and posttest were then …

A Study Of Calculator Usage On The Mathematics Achievement Of Seventh- And Eighth-Grade Students And On Attitudes Of Students And Teachers, Tracie Bidwell Ellerman

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of calculator usage on the mathematics achievement of seventh and eighth grade students as measured by the Mathematics Concepts and Applications sections of the California Achievement Test. The study also investigated the attitudes of students and teachers toward calculator usage. Student attitudes were measured through responses to the Student Calculator Survey. Teacher attitudes were measured through responses to the Attitude Instrument for Mathematics and Applied Technology-Version II.

Intact classes from two north central Louisiana school systems were assigned randomly to treatment and control groups. The sample consisted of 1070 students …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 1, Spring 1998)), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor, Marcus Duke, Designer

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

Promoting Science Teacher Education Through Dissonance And Discrepancy, Nelofer Halai, Alan E. Wheeler

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

While inquiry in science teaching has found a great deal of acceptance (Colletet and Chiapetta, 1989), there is a growing recognition that educators need a wider repertoire of inquiry strategies applicable to various situations. One promising approach is through the use of so-called ‘dissonant’ or ‘discrepant events’. This concept of discrepancy can be traced to the early work of Festinger (1975) and his Theory of Cognitive Dissonance in which he stated that the creation of dissonance is psychologically very uncomfortable and motivates individuals to actively reduce the level of dissonance and thereby return to a state of greater equilibrium or …

1998 Tenth Annual Imsa Presentation Day, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

"Research is the fundamental activity of science. By engaging in authentic research, one can better appreciate the concepts and theories underlying science and discover new pathways for improving the human condition."

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 10, No. 3, March 20, 1998

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Hexapod Herald - Vol. 10, No. 2, February 27, 1998

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Hexapod Herald - Vol. 10, No. 1, January 19, 1998

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1997-98 Annual Report, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

Annual Reports

We are pleased to share with you the 1997-98 annual report of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. In this, we report some highlights of IMSA's 12^th year, including highlights of our residential educational program for IMSA students and our statewide service programs for Illinois teachers, other students, schools and policymakers.

The Art Of Creating A School. The Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy 1979-1986, Judith Mary Coates

IMSA History

The art of creating the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, (IMSA) covered in the following pages, occurred over a period of seven years. The events took place between the summer of 1979, and 'move-in' day, September 7, 1986, the day the students arrived on the IMSA campus for the first time.

Located in the Fox River Valley community of Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has earned international recognition for its unique curriculum and teaching strategies. It has grown into the most renowned three year residential math and science high school in the nation. Each year more than …