Basic Irony: Examining the Foundations of School Mathematics With Preservice Teachers

This article reports on an inquiry into what tends to be taken for granted with regard to the teaching and learning of mathematics. The inquiry, undertaken in the context of a course on methods for mathematics teaching, was developed around an examination of the mathematical notions that infuse conventional theories of cognition and that permeate the structures and practices of school mathematics. In particular, concepts drawn from or aligned with Euclidean geometry were examined. Specifically, alternatives drawn from fractal geometry were explored. The importance of interrogating the often-transparent figurative underpinnings of our thinking about thinking is highlighted.     

Manpower planning,rate of return analysis,and the university medical schools: The case of Australia

In this paper, an examination is made of some of the errors in educational planning arising from manpower forecasts. Using the Australian doctors manpower plan, 1975–91 (Committee on Medical Schools, 1973) as an illustration, the writer shows the large variation in results that can occur through the substitution of alternatively feasible coefficients. Rate of return analysis is then used to examine the economic feasibility of the recommendations to expand the Australian medical schools, the conclusion being made that rate of return analysis is required for the economic decision making, the manpower forecasting only being a thechnological. guide for varying, the returns of income differentials of the investment to allow for any rigidities in the education system or the labour market.     

Communication and marital conflict

The researchers discuss the role in communication as it relates to marital conflict and adjustment. The Davis Marital Conflict Index is included as an appendix.     

Child-made home learning games for V.I.P.'s (very involved parents)

The key to this article is that all of the home learning games are made by the children for their own use with their parents. Anything the child has made becomes a source of pride for both parent and child. This pride is the simplest motivator for parent-child interaction. The child wants the parent to play his or her game and the parent will naturally devote some attention to the hand-made product.Gail L. Summer is the author of the book,Child-Made Home Learning Games for V.I.P's, from which this article is excerpted. It is available from Summertime Productions, 3005-E. Overton Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 for $7.00 plus $1.00 shipping.     

User needs: the key to changing library services and policies.

A user survey and a series of faculty interviews are discussed as methods that can be used by a public relations librarian to change library policies and services in the direction of patrons' needs.