Traditional college algebra courses focus almost exclusively on power functions such as y = x[superscript 2] and y = x[superscript 3] rather than the more general y = x[superscript p]. However, it is the more general form that is the basis of the mathematical models that arise throughout the natural sciences in a host of unexpected and highly…

In this paper the author discusses the meaning of sampling, the reasons for sampling, the Central Limit Theorem, and the different techniques of sampling. Practical and relevant examples are given to make the appropriate sampling techniques understandable to students of Introductory Statistics courses. With a thorough knowledge of sampling…

This article reports research involving collaboration between a developmental studies department and a mathematics department in an effort to increase the academic success of developmental students who transition into college-level math. Three separate projects were conducted with former developmental math students currently enrolled in an…

Conference papers on the state of mathematics in the two-year college are presented. The papers are grouped according to main topic areas and each group of papers is followed by a summary of conference discussions. The topics addressed are: a case for curriculum change, technical mathematics, the influence of new technologies on mathematics…

Factors affecting mathematics enrollment at Broward Community College, South Campus (Florida) were examined. An analysis of demographic data reflects a huge population growth for the South Campus area. Increasing numbers of elderly, young professionals, Hispanics, and other minorities will move here primarily from the northeast and Dade County…

Research was conducted to develop a means of identifying, upon entry into the course, the students most likely not to succeed in trigonometry, with the intention of using the prediction to apply an intervention strategy. A 64-item questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of students enrolled in the course in the winter 1973…

A description is given of a calculator-oriented arithmetic course given at a community college. Problem solving was the primary objective of the course. (MK)

Provides an interview with Marilyn Mays, president of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and director of a project designed to develop standards for introductory mathematics. Examines Mays's views on the new curriculum, which stresses real-world applications over theoretical knowledge. (MAB)

Describes the concept and practice of "teaching in context," defined as teaching a mathematical idea or process by using a problem, situation, or data to enhance the teaching and learning process. Explores one mathematical problem situation at different levels of understanding and suggests ideas for classroom explorations. (KS)

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…

Mathematics teachers in community colleges in six western states were surveyed concerning their use of the guidelines of the Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics, enrollment, and teachers' education and organizational affiliations. (SD)

Members of the New York State Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges were surveyed concerning characteristics of remedial programs, objectives of such programs, and facilities necessary. The results of the survey are reported and discussed. (SD)

In 1981, a survey was conducted to determine the methods used in Arizona community colleges to place students in English composition courses. Questionnaires concerning placement practices were sent to 32 community college administrators, and 21 usable responses were returned. Study findings included the following: (1) while no college required an…