Teaching Mathematics and its Applications - current issue

Modelling drug administration regimes for asthma: a Romanian experience

Andras, S., Szilagyi, J. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:28:56 PST

In this article, we present a modelling activity, which was a part of the project DQME II (Developing Quality in Mathematics Education, for more details see http://www.dqime.uni-dortmund.de) and some general observations regarding the maladjustments and rational errors arising in such type of activities.

Exploring student expectations in mathematics learning and support

Warwick, J. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:28:56 PST

This article reports on the results of an empirical study of student expectations and mathematical anxiety among first-year students who must study mathematics as a supporting discipline. The article describes the model of support we have developed mixing, as it does, the more traditional ideas of ‘filling knowledge gaps’ with an exploration of student expectations at the start of a mathematics unit. The research attempts to ascertain whether student self-judgements about their mathematical abilities are accurate and tentatively suggests how we might use this as an alternative to more anxiety-inducing diagnostic testing.

Thematic mathematics: the combinatorics of prime factorizations

Griffiths, M. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:28:56 PST

In this article, we use a particular example to illustrate a thematic approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics. Our theme, suitable for undergraduates and able sixth-form students, is the enumeration of mathematical objects associated with the prime factorizations of integers. It is shown in detail how this gives rise to some beautiful mathematics. Potential educational benefits of the theme-driven exploration of mathematics are discussed, as are the possible difficulties that may be encountered when carrying out such activities. The various instructional styles associated with a thematic approach are also considered briefly.

Maximum/minimum problems solved using an algebraic way

Modica, E. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:28:56 PST

This article describes some problems of the maximum/minimum type, which are generally solved using calculus at secondary school, but which here are solved algebraically. We prove six algebraic properties and then apply them to this kind of problem. This didactic approach allows pupils to solve these problems even at the beginning of secondary school, when teachers dedicate considerable time to geometry, rather than waiting until the study of mathematical analysis at the end of secondary school.

Solving the sailors and the coconuts problem via diagrammatic approach

Man, Y.-K. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:28:56 PST

In this article, we discuss how to use a diagrammatic approach to solve the classic sailors and the coconuts problem. It provides us an insight on how to tackle this type of problems in a novel and intuitive way. This problem-solving approach will be found useful to mathematics teachers or lecturers involved in teaching elementary number theory, recreational mathematics or mathematics problem solving.