Describes basic problem-solving skills and presents a protocol of a student solving a problem. Discusses some of the difficulties in obtaining a correct solution. Lists basic prompts for problem solving. (YP)

Two studies investigated the following: (1) the perceptions of college math teachers and students (n=27) of the clarity of three explanations of a standard problem solution procedure and (2) the extent to which math teachers' and students' (n=23) oral presentations showed some awareness of the general mathematics principles inherent in three math…

A structural model exploring relationships between ability, beliefs about mathematics, and achievement in remedial college mathematics is presented. In this study (n=236 students), previous mathematics skills were significantly related to beliefs, but beliefs were unrelated to final course grade for males. Conversely, beliefs about mathematics…

This study examined the precollege mathematics preparation of first-year college students (n-69) with very high mathematical aptitude. Despite most students' radical acceleration (as part of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth), achievement in coursework was high. Gender differences were found in degree of acceleration and choice of…

The purpose of this paper is to show, by computer examples, that very different results can be obtained by rearranging selected conditionally convergent series. Computer programs allow the students to select the real number to which they wish the rearrangement to converge. Two computer programs are appended. (KR)

This study compared the mathematical competencies and attitudes of elementary education majors (n=171) to a representative college population. Results indicated that elementary education majors possessed more negative attitudes toward mathematics and scored lower in 9 of 10 competency categories than the general college population. Significant…

Discussed is the transfer of the teacher education system into the university sector in Turkey. The needs for a new model for student assessment, and to select and attract more capable and committed individuals into teaching are identified. (Author/CW)

Describes an action research project among community colleges that explored the implementation of successful distance learning programs for developmental math courses. Highlights include learner motivation; use of technology; developmental learner profiles; and combinations of campus support services and distance learning delivery systems. (LRW)

In this paper we explore issues surrounding university students' experiences of statistics drawing on data related to learning statistics as a compulsory component of psychology. Over 250 students completed a written survey which included questions on their attitudes to learning statistics and their conceptions of statistics. Results indicated…

This paper reports on the mathematical thinking of participants of a long-term study, now in its 17th year, who did mathematics together through their public school and early university years. In particular, it describes how fundamental ideas and images of a cohort group of students are elaborated and presented in symbolic expressions of…

From a very young age, shoes for boys tend to be wider than shoes for girls. Is this because boys have wider feet, or because it is assumed that girls are willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion, even in elementary school? To assess the former, a statistician measures kids' feet. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)

This study analyzed data to identify courses which have been associated with improved mathematics and quantitative reasoning ability among students who enter college with high verbal skills but low math skills. The study used the Coursework Cluster Analytic Model (CCAM) to analyze the course sequences of students with high verbal and low math…

Seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of the Preparatory Division, which offers remedial courses at the University of Louisville, this study focused on the academic outcomes of remedial instruction in mathematics and on participating students' subsequent ability to undertake and succeed in college-level mathematics courses. The study included 810…

The use of a variation of linear programing (goal programing) to develop a test blueprint with multiple specification requirements, is the topic of this paper. The computer program STORM was used to develop a table of test specifications for a test that would measure achievement in introductory statistics in the subdomains of frequency…

A nationwide survey was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of college remedial mathematics programs. Questionnaires mailed to 200 two- and four-year remedial educators solicited information on teaching techniques, student evaluation, course offerings, faculty qualifications, classroom resources, math labs, time limits on remediation,…