Arguing that college mathematics education must be made more effective, especially for technology, engineering, mathematical sciences, and physical sciences students, this paper presents nine general principles to enhance math instruction for all students. Introductory material argues that changes in perception, attitudes, and role models are…

Within the context of the developments in mathematics and computer science, this paper argues that the emergence of the microcomputer gives mathematics the opportunity to survive as a viable and healthy discipline. Section I traces the development of the computer and the position of established mathematics on the sidelines of this development.…

In July 1982, a conference was held at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to discuss the need for more discrete mathematics in the first two years of the core undergraduate mathematics curriculum. This paper reviews the recommendations that were made during the conference, the progress that has been made in the implementation of…

Preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges remains a significant part of the mission of most community college mathematicians. For some 30 years, calculus has been synonymous with entry-level college mathematics. Recent educational and technological changes, however, demand that the definition of college-level work in mathematics be…

Arguing that a major re-thinking of the mathematics curriculum is needed, this paper urges two-year colleges to take the lead in curriculum revision. Section I suggests that the pre-calculus orientation of high school mathematics may be inappropriate, viewing mathematics related to computers and dependent on computers for computation as more…

The mathematics curriculum in the first 2 years of college is a tool created to assist in solving problems. The current mathematics curriculum has changed little; the same topics, tied to the engineering and science curriculum, are taught as they were being taught in 1945. The problems that students need to solve have changed however. Both the…

As a means of alleviating math anxiety among business students and of improving their business machine skills, Spokane Falls Community College offers a course in which basic business math skills are mastered through the use of desk top calculators. The self-paced course, which accommodates varying student skill levels, requires students to: (1)…

Drawing from recent literature and research, this paper provides an overview of the place of statistics in the two-year college curriculum. First, sources are cited in evidence of the strong support among educators for statistics as one of the most useful topics that can be taught. Next, research findings are presented showing that statistics…

This paper discusses the use of technology in teaching and learning mathematics in community colleges. The first section addresses the current state of new technologies and learning in mathematics and statistics. The second section looks at the major trends in the coming years, specifically more reading, more writing, and less arithmetic. The…

In light of substantial declines in enrollments in liberal arts mathematics courses in two-year colleges, this paper looks at some of the reasons for these declines and suggests ways of revitalizing the traditional "great ideas" mathematics course. First, a brief outline is presented of the history of liberal arts mathematics, focusing on the…

Drawing from literature on research, innovative programs, and association positions, this paper provides an overview of two-year college mathematics curricula, instruction, and faculty. Introductory material places the discussion in the context of changes that have taken place in the community college over the past 20 years, highlighting increases…

A study was conducted at a large suburban community college in Northern Illinois to examine the nature of the relationship between student self-perception/attitude variables and final course grades in four levels of mathematics: elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, college algebra, and technical mathematics. Findings, based on data obtained…

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…

The question of the advisability of incorporating discrete mathematics into the mathematics curriculum is addressed by examining the different types of courses typically offered in the first two years of college and the appropriateness of including discrete mathematics topics in these courses. The introductory section explains how the advent of…

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…