Conference papers on the state of mathematics in the two-year college are presented. The papers are grouped according to main topic areas and each group of papers is followed by a summary of conference discussions. The topics addressed are: a case for curriculum change, technical mathematics, the influence of new technologies on mathematics…

Preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges remains a significant part of the mission of most community college mathematicians. For some 30 years, calculus has been synonymous with entry-level college mathematics. Recent educational and technological changes, however, demand that the definition of college-level work in mathematics be…

Provides an overview of a course, "Applied Linear Algebra," for teaching the concepts and the physical and geometric interpretations of some linear algebra topics. Describes the philosophy of the course, the computer project assignments, and student feedback. Major topics of the course are listed. (YP)

Discusses the needs and the content of a philosophy of mathematics course. Provided are sample term paper topics, sample final exam items, and an annotated bibliography. (YP)

Noting the growing interest in how writing activities might complement current teaching techniques and improve learning in mathematics, this paper presents a progress report on the use of writing assignments in freshman precalculus courses at a Minnesota university. The paper first presents a rationale for this teaching technique and the original…

Drawing from recent literature and research, this paper provides an overview of the place of statistics in the two-year college curriculum. First, sources are cited in evidence of the strong support among educators for statistics as one of the most useful topics that can be taught. Next, research findings are presented showing that statistics…

Describes a course, "Mathematics and the Environment," for liberal arts students. The course is designed to motivate students and to demonstrate that mathematical concepts are necessary to understand global issues. Lists some global issues, information sources, and classroom activities. (YP)

Recently there has been increased interest related to the Actuarial Science field. An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematical skills to define, analyze, and solve financial and social problems. This paper examines: (1) the interface between Statistical and Actuarial Science training; (2) statistical courses corresponding to…

In light of substantial declines in enrollments in liberal arts mathematics courses in two-year colleges, this paper looks at some of the reasons for these declines and suggests ways of revitalizing the traditional "great ideas" mathematics course. First, a brief outline is presented of the history of liberal arts mathematics, focusing on the…

The question of the advisability of incorporating discrete mathematics into the mathematics curriculum is addressed by examining the different types of courses typically offered in the first two years of college and the appropriateness of including discrete mathematics topics in these courses. The introductory section explains how the advent of…

Arguing that high attrition rates and low grades in trigonometry classes underscore the need for changes in the approach to trigonometry instruction, these papers suggest an instructional model and present a proposal for its adoption at the College of San Mateo (CSM). The first paper begins with the argument that students' lack of preparation for…

Describes a remedial college course in intermediate algebra designed to improve student success rate. Suggests that the course was easy and inexpensive to implement and required a minimum of reorganization. (PK)

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)

Describes a course in nonlinear mathematics courses offered at the University of Pennsylvania which provides an opportunity for students to examine the complex solution spaces that chemical engineers encounter. Topics include modeling many chemical processes, especially those involving reaction and diffusion, auto catalytic reactions, phase…

Described are experiences for incorporating writing assignments in mathematics and computer science courses. Reports survey results from students who participated in the courses. (YP)