Showing papers in "The Arithmetic Teacher in 1981"

Identifying the Gifted Student in Mathematics.

Abstract: We are witnessing a surge of interest in the gifted child. This is evidenced by the increasing number of special educational programs, curriculum materials, professional articles, lectures, and research projects devoted to the subject. Four major reasons for this surge of interest are apparent. First, recent legislation has prompted the establishment of new programs for students at both ends of the special-needs spectrum, the disabled learner and the gifted. Second, mathematics education has begun to focus on the centrality of problem solving in the curriculum. Gifted children are of particular interest because of their innate problemsolving capabilities. Third, the growing demand for computing as a means for providing problem solving experience tends to come largely from the ranks of the gifted. Finally, some of the complex technologic challenges which society now faces, such as the energy crisis, have stimulated an emphasis on the identification and training of technically capable students. Given our interest in gifted children for the reasons cited, we must be able to identify these children, what characteristics set them apart from other children, and what unique needs they have.

Calculators in Testing Situations: Results and Implications from National Assessment.

Abstract: turning on the calculator, clearing the display, entering $1.25, and working a simple addition and a simple subtraction problem. The students were also given several minutes to work other problems for which they knew the answer. These instructions were included on a single page of the test booklet and extended only to showing students how to use this particular model of calculator. No attempt was made to acquaint them with all special keys or to teach them how to use a calculator for the first time. Students were instructed to use the calculator on all