Discusses the formation of a geometry club in which members (students, teachers, staff) of a high school meet in order to discuss and demonstrate the mathematics in Euclid's Elements. (MKR)

Discusses two interactive techniques for reducing student anxiety and increasing understanding of statistical concepts. Explains that in one method the students are the data when the class members complete one of two versions of an exercise. Describes the second method as one where students create the statistical application and data. (DK)

Investigates the types of instructor behavior that created or exacerbated mathematics anxiety in students. Determines the grade level at which mathematics anxiety first occurred in these students. Concludes that several factors can cause mathematics anxiety, instructor behavior being one of them. (ASK)

Explores the phenomenon of math anxiety in a group of elementary school students by observing and conducting a survey to identify where students fit into the continuum of mathematics confidence. Discusses strategies to reduce math anxiety. (ASK)

This paper discusses the problems associated with mathematics anxiety, and provides detailed information on the history and structure of the Mathematics Anxiety Program at the University of Minnesota. The seven parts concern: (1) the Continuing Education for Women Program, (2) the development of the Math Anxiety Program, (3) the symptoms of…

This paper attempts to generate a comprehensive description of the nature of mathematics anxiety through a synthesis of: (1) the general and test anxiety literatures applied to mathematics anxiety; (2) the mathematics anxiety literature, and (3) case studies developed through in-depth interviews. The indepth interviews were conducted with seven…

This document presents three main strategies that form two closely related teaching methodologies: special techniques, peer responsibility, and joint projects. The first two strategies combine together to form the first teaching methodology, Special Techniques and Peer Responsibility Teaching Method (STAPRM), and all three strategies combine…

Differences in cognitive structure are approached through consideration of cartesian and non-cartesian knowing. Figuration and configuration are described as two layers of cartesian knowing leading to the third layer, the cognitive structure. Knowing in general is then discussed, with comments on learning in another culture, Botswana. (MNS)

This paper describes the "Make-A-Problem" activity through which students can reframe their attitudes toward mathematics by putting art into the mathematics class. "Make-A-Problem" contains three sections: (1) problem--the student creates a problem dealing with a specific concept assigned by the instructor; (2) picture--an artistic interpretation…

Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orientation, and should prove a rewarding occupation to women. (DM)

Students are often as mystified by mathematical procedures as they are by magic tricks. This article suggests ways of making the estimation of how many jelly beans in a jar and the 20-questions game less magical and more understandable. (MKR)

Gives examples of classroom organization and instructional techniques that use, rather than ignore, subcultural differences in learning styles in order to increase minorities' achievement in mathematics. (GC)

Studied the use of humorous cartoons to reduce the anxiety levels of students in statistics classes. Used the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) to measure the level of student anxiety before and after a statistics course. Found that there was a significant reduction in levels of mathematics anxiety after the course. (SLM)

A case study is presented of an eight-year-old girl who, despite very high intelligence in general, exhibited underachievement in math. By modifying her self-defeating definitions of task difficulty, educators and her parents were able to encourage her and improve her math achievement to be commensurate with her general intelligence. (Author/PB)

Discusses students whose mathematics anxiety resulted from past abuse, verbal or physical, by a teacher or parent while doing mathematics. Presents two examples of math abuse, the resulting math anxiety, and how the issues were addressed. Contains 14 references. (ASK)