Yearbook about discrete mathematics across the K to 12 curriculum is developed
to give the mathematics education community some perceptions about discrete
mathematics and suggestions for implementing it in the classroom. A unifying
thread is that discrete mathematics incorporates many of the recommendations
put forth in the NCTM Standards (1989). A sampling includes the following:
discrete mathematics promotes the making of mathematical connections; provides
a setting for problem solving with real world applications; capitalizes
on technological settings; and fosters critical thinking and mathematical
reasoning. Sections of the yearbook address perspectives and issues of discrete
mathematics; development of the theme of discrete mathematics; instructional
options; curriculum and pedagogical boundaries; activities and problems;
an overview for the secondary school teacher; significant topics from discrete
mathematics; and activities and projects for secondary school students.
(Author/VN/MPN)
Availability: As of: 1994
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (publisher)
1906 Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091-1593
Telephone no.: 703/620-9840
Toll-free no.: 800/235-7566
FAX no.: 703/476-2970
1 text: ; Order no.: 450E1 ; ISBN: 0-87353-305-4 ; $20.00 ; NOTE: 20% discount
for NCTM members.
More information about this article
, and others, is available on-line from ENC.
Links provided by the Math Forum including: Unit Course Materials & Lesson Plans
Sites with Collections of Course Materials & Lesson Plans
Problems and Puzzles and Reference Materials.
Abstract: This book, for use in grade 11 or 12, integrates the conceptual
underpinnings of calculus with topics of discrete mathematics, applies and
illustrates topics using real world applications, requires the use of graphing
calculators (or computers with function graphing software), and inserts
computer programs whenever appropriate to the content of the text. The material
is written so that students learn mathematics concepts through reading each
lesson, problem solving (reading and problem solving are emphasized throughout),
formal proofs, and projects. Assignments include questions that address
the assigned reading, applying the mathematics, review, and exploration.
The text uses the SPUR approach to develop various aspects, or dimensions,
of understanding. SPUR is based on Skills, which is the understanding of
algorithms (procedures) for obtaining a result; Properties, which ranges
from the rote identification of properties to the discovery of new proofs;
Uses, which ranges from the rote application of ideas to the discovery of
new applications or models for mathematical ideas; and Representations,
which includes the use of concrete materials and models, or graphs and other
symbolic representations. Multiple forms of assessment include quizzes,
problem solving, portfolios, chapter tests, cumulative tests, and intermittent
comprehensive tests. Teacher's edition includes the student's text pages
along with teacher's notes providing additional activity suggestions, including
manipulatives, cooperative learning, alternate approaches for students who
need more help, error analysis, and assessment alternatives. Reproducible
problems to solve by using either an automatic grapher or short BASIC programs
are provided in the COMPUTER MASTERS resource book. Quizzes, two reproducible
forms of the chapter test, cumulative chapter tests, comprehensive tests,
and answers to all quizzes and tests are contained in QUIZZES AND TEST MASTERS.
LESSON MASTERS provides further practice on SPUR objectives. EACHING AID
MASTERS includes supplemental reproducible grids, charts, graphs, and examples.ANSWER
MASTERS contains answers for every problem in the lesson and chapter review.
This text is written to be consistent with recommendations in the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) CURRICULUM AND EVALUATION STANDARDS.
(Author/LDR)
More information about this article,
and others, is available on-line from ENC.
Other Resources...
For All Practical Purposes: Introduction to CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS
Authors: Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications; Solomon Garfunkel, project director. COMAP, Inc. 1991; ISBN 0-7167-2115-5
DISCRETE ALGORITHMIC MATHEMATICS
Authors: Stephen B. Maurer, Swarthmore College and Anthony Ralston, State University of New York at Buffalo.
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company 1991; ISBN 0-201-15585-0
The Influence of Computers and Informatics on Mathematics and Its
Teaching:
Bernard Cornu and Anthony Ralston, 1992, v + 133 pp., free, paper.
UNESCO, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07-SP, France.
This collection of articles is a thorough, realistic exploration of
the issues affecting curriculum, pedagogy, teacher education, and students
that have developed because of the influence of computers as well as the
influence of discrete mathematics on mathematics.
Main page...
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