An understanding of past technological advancements can help educators understand the influence of new technologies in education. Inventions such as the abacus, logarithms, the slide rule, the calculating machine, computers, and electronic calculators have all found their place in mathematics education. While new technologies can be very useful,…

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…

Arguing that a major re-thinking of the mathematics curriculum is needed, this paper urges two-year colleges to take the lead in curriculum revision. Section I suggests that the pre-calculus orientation of high school mathematics may be inappropriate, viewing mathematics related to computers and dependent on computers for computation as more…

It is noted that less than 35 percent of 406 collegiate institutions recently surveyed offered a course specifically concerning the history of mathematics. This is viewed as a very disturbing situation. Reasons for teaching such a course are given, and suggestions are made regarding course instruction. (MP)

The rebirth of geometry is predicted in the coming years as the pendulum swings back from extreme devotion to structure, abstraction, and generality. (MP)

This paper is devoted to the relationship between mathematics and the social use of mathematics. Discussion includes definition of technology, examples of technology, technology in school mathematics and mathematics of social practice. (DC)

Contends that, although the introduction of problem solving, intended to involve students more actively in their learning and understanding of the nature of mathematics, is a positive factor, the need for proof, which is an integral part of mathematics, must not be overlooked. (25 references) (MKR)

Discusses the impact of computer algebra systems and evolving educational technologies on the mathematics curriculum, including fundamental assumptions, understandings that are needed, overarching priorities (acquiring and using knowledge), impact on students and parameters of instruction, and impact on faculty. (43 references) (MKR)

Discusses, analyzes, and provides anecdotes about the calculus reform movement, in general, and the experimental, undergraduate calculus classes at Duke University, in particular. (JJK)

The complexity of the proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra makes it inaccessible to lower level students. Described are more understandable attempts of proving the theorem and a historical account of Euler's efforts that relates the progression of the mathematical process used and indicates some of the pitfalls encountered. (MDH)

This paper compliments two recent articles by the author in this journal concerning solving the forced harmonic oscillator equation when the forcing is periodic. The idea is to replace the forcing function by its Fourier series and solve the differential equation term-by-term. Herein the convergence of such series solutions is investigated when…

Attention is called to the apparent widespread misunderstanding of algebraic notation by secondary school students, and how this may arise from some common approaches to teaching algebra to beginners is discussed. (MNS)

Computer science may foreshadow some near revolutions in school mathematics, concerning new ways of teaching much of the mathematics curriculum, increased emphasis on discrete mathematics, and the impact of symbolic mathematical systems. Each is discussed, with a distinction made between computer science and computer technology. (MNS)

The material presents an alternative method for arranging proofs, which arranges development in levels. The method is described as triggered by recent ideas from computer science and is intended to increase the comprehensibility of mathematical presentations while retaining their rigor. Several examples using this approach are presented.…

This report is based on visits to Chinese universities, conversations with Chinese mathematicians, and a visit to a training school for workers. (MP)