Two cases are described in which alternative assessments have been successfully employed in college mathematics. Case 1 describes an alternative assessment applied in a class of 10 elementary school teachers studying Euclidean geometry as required by state teacher-certification requirements. One student asserted that he already had an adequate…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction";…

Although skill in mathematics will be a crucial human resource in the future, there is a national disaffection with and fear of mathematics. To reverse this situation, all teachers should be required to have inservice instruction in mathematics, focusing on how mathematics supports and relates to specific content areas. Teachers' avoidance of and…

One of the strengths of the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics (PCTM) is that it gives mathematicians and mathematics educators the opportunity to exchange and contribute to each other's professional growth. The topic for this 1985 yearbook, the first of a proposed ongoing series, has been chosen to coincide with the annual PCTM…

The papers presented in this monograph address a number of concerns in developing a pedagogical approach for gifted and talented children. In the first paper, it is noted that routine intelligence tests cannot be relied upon to identify the gifted, and that a more stringent case study approach should be adopted to take into account the particular…

Describes a two-day program within a developmental mathematics course utilizing group-building exercises and initiative problems (problems with physical solutions) to foster communication, problem-solving skills, and math confidence. Presents results of student evaluations of program showing increased interest and confidence in mathematics, and…

A two-year project was funded at the Community College of Allegheny County to develop a model strategy for eliminating math anxiety and increasing basic mathematics skills in women students. Part of the rationale for the project was to combat the sex-role stereotypes that have traditionally tracked women away from math- and/or science-oriented…

Describes the Family Math program for elementary school students and their families in Springfield (Massachusetts). Goals include the following: (1) increase minority parent participation; (2) overcome math anxiety; and (3) encourage mathematics participation. (FMW)

A course of study was researched, designed, and implemented by the writer to learn mathematics apprehensions of fifth grade students. The primary goal was to reduce mathematics apprehension through positive mathematics experiences at home as well as in school. The objectives of the program were to develop a more positive feeling about mathematics…

The San Francisco Math Leadership Project is an attempt to re-educate elementary teachers, many of whom do not consider mathematics their favorite subject and have limited mathematics backgrounds. The task is to increase the mathematics knowledge of these teachers and build their confidence in their own ability to do mathematics and to teach it.…

The OPTIONS Project was undertaken at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) to identify and eliminate sex stereotyping in vocational guidance. As part of this effort, a series of workshops was held that resulted in a heightened sensitivity, on the part of counselors, to sex stereotyping and greater awareness of the problem in the college at…

Curricular and instructional issues are discussed in 12 articles by faculty of the Connecticut community colleges. Jack McLean examines the potential role of community colleges in international education, and Kerin Sarason proposes teacher self-evaluations to reduce faculty/administrator tension. Jean Burr Smith introduces methods of reducing math…

This article describes the results of a "teacher as researcher" project, which helps preservice teachers learn how to develop meaningful curriculum by creating interdisciplinary connections between literacy (reading and writing) and one (of both) of their two areas of specialization, and supports the author's own learning about how to best help…

A project studied a method to overcome possible embarrassment and "math anxiety" of secondary level students in remedial and special needs math classes and to sustain interest in drill practice while allowing for better utilization of the teacher's time. One Monroe Calculator "Classmate 88" programmed calculator was placed in…

The social environment of today has necessitated revision in educators' beliefs about what students are considered to be at risk of failing to complete their education with adequate levels of skills. This book addresses this issue in the areas of mathematics and science and is intended as a curriculum and teacher training accompaniment that can…