Reports on the results of a survey done in 1985 about chemical engineering undergraduate curricula. Compares the findings with similar surveys done in previous years, particuluarly 1981. Reveals that only minor changes have occurred since the 1981 survey, but projects greater changes by 1989. (TW)

Describes an optional course in "computational physics" offered at the University of Birmingham. Includes an introduction to numerical methods and presents exercises involving fast-Fourier transforms, non-linear least-squares, Monte Carlo methods, and the three-body problem. Recommends adding laboratory work into the course in the…

Different methods of teaching using the computer in a Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) system are discussed and illustrated with sample courseware in mathematics, physics, and elementary science. (DS)

The field trialling of inventory scales reflecting variation in students' mathematics study and learning processes is described. These scales predict learning outcomes (final marks), but with differentiated patterns of relationship to those outcomes. In combination, the scales also detect cohorts of students at risk of study failure. The work…

A study was undertaken at Central Arizona College to determine the effect of writing activities on student performance in College Algebra. An experimental group of eight students was established and given lists of math-related vocabulary words and problems which required written explanations. Quizzes were constructed requiring the group to respond…

Designed as an avenue of communication for mathematics educators concerned with the views, ideas, and experiences of two-year college students and teachers, this journal contains articles on mathematics exposition and education and regular features presenting book and software reviews, classroom activities, instructor experiences, and math…

Courses taken for the bachelor's degrees are examined for specific majors and overall fields of study (i.e., education, humanities, social sciences, quantitative fields, and business). Analyses are based on college transcripts of 4,440 participants in the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. Majors in quantitative fields…

For several years, the University of Massachusetts has been developing a series of introductory-level mathematics courses which place primary emphasis on the development of problem solving and conceptual skills. As the need arose for more instructors for this course, an instructor-training program was developed. This report describes the…

This paper suggests ways that coordination between two-year colleges and baccaluareate institutions can be improved and the opportunities for successful student transfer can be enhanced, with particular reference to the mathematics curriculum and the role of mathematics instructors at two- and four-year institutions. After discussing the…

This document presents the observations and opinions of a delegation of North American mathematics educators who visited the People's Republic of China at the invitation of the Chinese Mathematical Society to discuss with Chinese mathematics teachers issues of mutual interest about university mathematics education. The delegation visited six…

An alternative to the traditional lecture method for teaching mathematics to occupational/technical students has been developed at Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia. Fundamental to the new system is the need for the student to see the relevance of his studies to his occupational goals, as seemingly irrelevant material presents a…

Presents an easy-to-use Applesoft BASIC program that graphs rational functions and any asymptotes that the functions might have. Discusses the nature of rational functions, graphing them manually, employing a computer to graph rational functions, and describes how the program works. (TW)

Because of the widespread use of microcomputers in Bulgaria, informatics education for all college students is considered both possible and necessary. Uses of microcomputers in various disciplines are described, including those in mathematics/mechanics, the experimental sciences, and humanities. Brief comments on computer-assisted-learning and…

The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) is the voice of two-year college mathematics in the United States and Canada, and it has more than 40 affiliate organizations in the two countries. The organization is designed to promote professionalism among mathematics faculty at two-year colleges. This AMATYC publication…

Describes the Improving Access Through Technology (IATT) project conducted by the Florida Postsecondary Planning Commission which attempts to use technology to increase student access to courses, thereby decreasing time to degree. Identifies student difficulty with math and science courses as a primary cause of lengthening time to degree. (JDI)