This report researches the use of a standard deck of playing cards in entry-level college mathematics classrooms. The study looks at published research on the use of cards, and reviews pedagogic concerns directly related to the implementation of playing cards in the classroom--including the appropriateness of manipulatives, the link to cooperative…

Ithaca College, in New York, has developed and tested a projects-based first-year calculus course over the last 3 years which uses the graphs of functions and physical phenomena to illustrate and motivate the major concepts of calculus and to introduce students to mathematical modeling. The course curriculum is designed to: (1) emphasize on the…

In response to the large numbers of students who were failing or dropping out of basic algebra and calculus classes, Cottey College, in Missouri, developed a math placement program in 1982 using Basic Algebra (BA) and Calculus Readiness (CR) tests from the Mathematical Association of America's Placement Testing Program. Cut off scores for the…

With the help of widely available microcomputers, it is possible to demonstrate certain statistical phenomena which students of statistics are usually expected to take on faith. Two demonstrations are described. In the first demonstration, three common types of sampling (simple random, biased, and stratified-random) are used to compare statistics…

Four interference factors to math learning are poor or no instruction, low motivation, inappropriate learning theory, and physiological learning dysfunction. The math clinic, a teaching-learning strategy, uses diagnostic teaching skills and various learning rates for math studies. Instruction is matched to the student from information provided by…

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…

A discussion is presented of the relationship between community college general education mathematics courses and the technical education curricula they support. Introductory remarks sketch the history and emphasis of community colleges; review President Truman's Commission on Higher Education's recommendations concerning the functions of…

The nature of "A Programing Language" (APL) is viewed as unambiguous, consistent, and powerful. It is based on the notion of functions as imperative verbs, and is used by a small but growing number of mathematicians and computer programers. Three areas of mathematical activity are addressed: calculation of arithmetic expressions,…

The development of a Project for Mathematics Anxiety Reduction Training (Project MART) is described. This Project was designed as an in-service, staff development program for the City University of New York's instructors. The Project is based on the concept that modifying instructor behavior in the teaching of mathematics will lead to lower…

Competence in dealing with mathematical model building requires mathematical knowledge, technological knowledge about how to develop a model, and reflective knowledge relevant for evaluation of the model building process. A general conceptual framework for identification of reflective knowledge is presented by a structural and a developmental…

Describes a college-level course that develops an awareness and understanding of environmental issues through instruction of mathematical concepts and processes, presenting sample mathematical problems which illustrate how environmental issues are used as themes for teaching mathematical skills. Also provides a list of annotated references for…

Summarizes a simple design algorithm which identifies nested loops of equations which must be solved by trial-and-error methods. The algorithm is designed to minimize such loops, provides guidance to the selection of variables, and delineates the order in which systems of equations are to be solved. Examples are included. (TW)

Describes a course (Introduction to Numerical Techniques of Physics) which can be adapted to such courses as applied mathematics, numerical analysis, mechanical or electrical engineering, chemistry, and biomathematics. Course goals (including emphasis on the distinction between computing, programming and coding) and instructional strategies are…

In this paper, we discuss issues in planning and conducting research into mathematics learning. We emphasize two central themes: (1) the learners' mathematics (especially the issues and ideas, in given problem situations, that learners choose to think about and to present; and (2) the kinds of knowledge that learners may be building (including…

The sequence of mathematics courses for elementary school teachers offered at the University of Montana is described. The ideas presented are noted to have worked well. (MP)