Suggests instructional modifications that utilize liberal arts students interests and strengths to stimulate their interest in mathematics. Suggestions recommend that teachers (1) relate mathematics to current critical issues; (2) make use of projects and open-ended problems; (3) utilize collaborative learning; and (4) provide opportunities for…

In college courses in statistics and computer programing, learning can be enhanced when students are required to express formulas and notations in writing. This approach helps improve concept formation, comprehension, problem solving, and ability to draw conclusions and interpretations. Attention to syntax and form is important. (MSE)

Designed to aid decision makers at the Otselic Valley Central School (New York) in selecting the most cost-effective way of providing advanced courses to high school students, this study sought to identify the consequences of choosing a particular alternative so that better decisions could be made. This was done by comparing the cost and…

This issue of the journal contains abstracts and critical comments for 13 published reports of research in mathematics education. Topics include: (1) effects of mathematics anxiety on preservice elementary teachers; (2) visualizing rectangular solids; (3) computer simulations and abstract thinking; (4) the association of foldout shapes with…

The consortium Mini-In-Service Mathematics Project consisted of teachers attending two three-hour graduate classes at each of seven sites in West Virginia. This document reports on the activities of the project and the results of a variety of evaluations done on and about the project. All participants completed a mathematics and a mathematics…

Research findings on computer designed instruction and testing at the college level are discussed in 13 papers from the first Regional Conference on University Teaching at New Mexico State University. Titles and authors are as follows: "Don't Bother Me with Instructional Design, I'm Busy Programming! Suggestions for More Effective Educational…

This document contains the course syllabus and 12 independent practice modules for an introductory college algebra course designed to develop student proficiency in the basic algebraic skills. This course is designed as the first of a two-semester sequence. Topics include operations with signed numbers; simple operations on monomials and…

Discusses potential uses of computer technology in the mathematics classroom and some factors constraining its breadth of use. Identifies the need for teacher education programs which support teachers' use of computers. Describes a cooperative project involving university faculty, secondary school teachers, and preservice teacher trainees which…

Discusses the present status of mathematics teaching for engineering students in Spain. Stresses the importance of mathematics (particularly numerical analysis) and computers to engineers in the future. Promotes the motivation of engineering students in the joint use of mathematics and computers. (TW)

Discusses the need for mathematics laboratories to supplement classroom instruction in mathematics for engineering students. Provides a description of such a laboratory, including a listing of equipment and materials that are recommended. Describes the uses for personal computers and suggests various problems that could be explored in the…

Documents the contributions made by Americans to the fields of physical science and mathematics during the period from 1880-1930. Discusses the effects of secondary school and college curriculum on progress of science and mathematics during that time and compares those with European educational institutions. (TW)

Describes unusual mathematical assignments and writing methods utilized in college geometry classes for students with little or no geometric background. Includes a bibliography of 51 source books suggested for use by students enrolled in these courses. (JJK)

This guide is designed to provide essential background material about the College Board's Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs). It is recommended for administrators and staff alike. It contains the theory on which the tests are based, information concerning how to administer them, and discussions of the reports produced and how to interpret the…

This study was designed to identify variables which account for successful performance in a remedial community college mathematics laboratory. Mathematics pretest scores, mathematics skills test scores, attendance time, age, gender, and attitude were used to help predict achievement. The sample consisted of the total population in the mathematics…

These conference proceedings include two invited lectures, four working group reports, five topic group reports, a list of participants, and a list of previous proceedings. The invited lectures were: "Teaching Mathematical Proof: Relevance and Complexity of a Social Approach" (Nicolas Balacheff) and "Geometry Is Alive and…