This paper reports the results of an exploratory study of the perceptions of and approaches to mathematical proof of undergraduates enrolled in lecture-based and problem-based "transition to proof" courses. While the students in the lecture-based course demonstrated conceptions of proof that reflect those reported in the research literature as…

This paper focuses on blended learning in mathematics I module in elementary calculus, at a University of Technology. A computer laboratory was used to create a learning environment that promoted interactive learning together with traditional teaching. The interactive learning was performed using projects to optimize the discovery and error…

This paper reports on a collaboration between three authors; two mathematicians in a Swedish university and a UK-based mathematics educator. The focus of the enquiry was the evaluation of the experience of Swedish first-year undergraduate engineers required, in their mathematics class, to learn to use the programming language "Matlab". Students…

The purpose of this study is to compare vocational school students' success at basic mathematics subjects with regard to their entrance to the university. The data were obtained by administering a "Personnel Information Form" and "the Mathematics Test" prepared by the researcher to 617 vocational school students and 26 two-year…

In two previous studies we investigated the non-routine problem-solving abilities of students just finishing their first year of a traditionally taught calculus sequence. This paper reports on a similar study, using the same non-routine first-year differential calculus problems, with students who had completed one and one-half years of traditional…

The paper provides a college mathematics student's concept maps, definitions, and essays to support the thesis that language-based prior knowledge can influence students' cognitive processes of mathematical concepts. A group of intermediate algebra students who displayed terms mainly from the spoken language on the first and the second concept…

The degree to which an undergraduate mathematics curriculum matched the item difficulty levels of representative mathematics problems based on that sequence was studied with 62 items and 423 undergraduates and 937 high school seniors. Results suggest congruence between curriculum sequence and item difficulty levels. (SLD)

Under the assumption that the current perplexing state of calculus instruction is a result of the presuppositions inherent within conventional teaching practices, the author examines why calculus is taught the way it is, indicates unprofitable practices that result from the way calculus is taught, and recommends possible ameliorative actions. (JJK)

Considers the question: During classroom observation, what phenomena should be focused on, and what will be the focal points of the "snapshots"? Uses observations from a mathematics classroom to illustrate the need to modify traditional focal points to include student primary activity(s), teacher and student "misbehaviors,"…

Difficulties with college algebra can be the gatekeeper for earning a degree. Students struggle with algebra for many reasons. The focus of study was to examine students struggling with entry-level algebra courses and differentiate between those who were identified as having a mathematics disability and those who were not. Variables related to…

The research reported in this paper took place at an Hispanic-serving, public community college and examined the effects of alternative institutional placement policies on student academic success. Results showed that when placement methods considered multiple measures of academic preparedness, students were initially placed into higher level…

This report presents the findings at the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM) Panel on mathematics appreciation courses. A philosophy, things to stress and avoid, approaches to course organization, and examples of topics are all discussed. References are suggested that relate mathematics to science and society. (MP)

The purpose of this study is to determine differences in mathematics self-efficacy between students enrolled in a developmental mathematics course and those enrolled in a calculus course. Data from a sample of 185 freshmen students at a single 4-year institution using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale are analyzed. Results indicate that calculus…

Contexts are currently enjoying much prominence in school mathematics. Generally, the contextual issues and situations learners are exposed to and deal with in Mathematical Literacy are, with good reason, determined by curriculum, learning resource and test designers. This article reports on a study that investigated contexts that learners would…

Useful assessment of general education courses is one impotant tool of a successful approach to advising. This article describes two methods for evaluating the effect general education math and English courses are having on students. One procedure involves examining the grade distribution for students enrolled in math and English general education…