Discusses the debate concerning the teaching of calculus. States that some consider calculus reform urgent because of the course's position in undergraduate studies. Considers the quality of mathematics instruction in the computer era. Cites examples of institutional experiments with new course designs. (CW)

Reviews the current situation of mathematics in France and its potential situation in the future. Cites the lack of university teaching posts for fueling a new brain drain to the United States. Claims that the situation threatens to erode some of France's most prized intellectual achievements. (CW)

Reports a project that incorporated mathematical modeling into a college course. Reports evaluation of the course in terms of criteria derived from the stated aims: modeling performance, modeling framework, pedagogy assessment, and personal growth. Included are two sample problems. (YP)

In 1988, the Office for Undergraduate Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (USEME) convened a series of disciplinary workshops designed to obtain a better understanding of the conditions and trends in undergraduate education in the United States in seven critical areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geosciences,…

The mathematical sciences, based largely in academia, are crucial not only for the development of new knowledge but also as a needed resource in the education of our technological work force. As with other scientific professions, the challenge of meeting the growing need for workers in the face of shrinking supplies will require a program of…

Compared are the survey responses on practices and perceptions on computer uses in classroom between a faculty group involved in changing 10 undergraduate courses in mathematics and science education (n=25) and a group of regular faculty (n=60). There were no significant differences between two groups except on the use of inquiry and guided…

An analysis of the current condition and trends in United States undergraduate education in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering is provided in this report. It contains suggestions for actions to be undertaken by academic institutions, the States, federal agencies, the private sector, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) and reflects…

Presented are highlights from the Survey of Earned Doctorates, focusing on: trends in doctorate production by field, sex, and citizenship; employment of science and engineering (S/E) doctorates; and science and mathematics education doctorates. Approximately 95 percent of the 1982 recipients of the Ph.D. and similar doctorates responded to a…

Discusses student-teachers' awareness of research and its potential role in their work as teachers, both as methodology for themselves as practicing researchers-in-action and as material developed by others. Some of the influences that led to the rise of the "teachers as researchers" program are included. (KR)

A study of Canadian college mathematics faculty compared 55 men and 55 women teachers on social background, family status, education, careers, professional difficulties related to sex, and attitudes toward employment equity programs. More similarities than differences were found. Differences were noted in 10 areas of demographics and professional…

Responding to a request by the United States Senate, this report examines the patterns of distribution of federal research funds to universities and colleges. These distribution patterns were determined by institution, state, agency, and field of science. In addition, the document provides an analysis of the extent to which patterns of…

Compared is the use of Euclidean and synthetic geometry in American and European schools. Included is the history of the major developments in the teaching of geometry. Discussed is the demise of formal geometry since World War II. (KR)

Describes several techniques that have been used in a variety of college mathematics classes to shift the classroom experience from instructor-centered to student-centered. Discusses specific applications of these techniques to remedial mathematics, precalculus, liberal arts mathematics, calculus, and geometry classroom settings. (40 references)…

This is a report on the hearing for solutions to the problems in science, mathematics, and engineering education at the postsecondary level. Topics of prepared statements and the testifiers are: (1) educating scientists and engineers (Daryl E. Chubin); (2) science and engineering education needs viewed from the perspectives of the national…

Describes the collegewide academic program at Maharishi International University that incorporates speaking and writing into the undergraduate curriculum. The impact of the key features of this successful program upon the mathematics curriculum are discussed in detail. (JJK)