There is a growing body of evidence indicating that people often overestimate the similarity between characteristics of random samples and those of the populations from which they are drawn. This paper: reviews studies that have attempted to determine whether the basic heuristic employed in thinking about random samples is passive and descriptive…

In April 1983, a questionnaire on the evaluation of remedial mathematics programs wax distributed to all mathematics chairpersons of American institutions of higher education. About 650 (25%) of the institutions responded, yielding information on more than 500 remedial programs and 250 evaluations. The survey dealt with four general areas of…

A computer program generates sets of simultaneous linear equations for students to solve; the program also solves the systems and provides teachers with solutions. (SD)

A problem concerning the generation of an array of numbers is posed. The author examines the use of this problem in several secondary-school and college classes. (SD)

Historical background and mathematical development of Riemann's rearrangement theorem are presented. The theorem is stated and proved in two parts. (PK)

A hypothetical classroom discussion is used to present concepts and problems students can master. Three computer programs are listed for binomial probabilities. (MNS)

Describes a model for organizing research and development on educational applications of the information technologies. The development and evaluation of interactive video courseware using the model (an interdisciplinary team approach) for precalculus mathematics instruction is included. (JN)

The problem of managing the reserve of cobalt is presented, followed by a method for bringing the stockpiled amount from any level to a desired goal. Solving a stochastic programming problem is involved. The procedure is discussed in detail. (MNS)

A questionnaire was given to 167 college students enrolled in business or precalculus mathematics, or statistics. Many had not taken three years of high school mathematics because the courses were not deemed important, were not required, or conflicted with others. Two-thirds felt unprepared for college mathematics courses. (MNS)

Describes a process which allows students to explore repeating decimals without being inhibited by the limitations of the calculator display. In addition, the process can take some of the mystery from the decimal forms of rational numbers. (JN)

Topics and issues related to the mathematics education of engineers are discussed. Major areas addressed include industrial requirements; influences on the mathematics curriculum; and problems related to implementing recommendations made concerning changes in the mathematics curriculum. Indicates that a reappraisal of the position of mathematics…

The author uses a format in developmental mathematics courses that stresses (1) developing a positive attitude toward mathematics; (2) encouraging activeness on the part of the students; and (3) providing survival skills for nondevelopmental courses that encourage the practice of problem solving and analytical skills. Each of these areas is…

Some misconceptions about learning are discussed and specific suggestions for helping students in a college developmental mathematics class learn how to learn mathematics are presented. Extensive footnotes are appended. (MNS)

The game of craps is analyzed in terms of mathematical expectation. Betting examples are presented and discussed, and a computer simulation program in BASIC is included. (MNS)

An example is given of how to help students who have obtained a correct answer by a wrong method. They are asked to suppose that a child has found an easy method for division, and eventually write a computer program to show the correct method. (MNS)