This document consists of the two issues of the "AMATYC Review" published during volume year 1997-1998. 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 regularly…

During the academic years 1993-1995, instructors from the Department of Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Richard J. Daley College (Illinois) conducted an experiment in remedial mathematics classes at a community college. The researchers wanted to investigate whether, while teaching mathematics in a rigorous manner, they…

Describes the Passaic County Community College Academic Foundations Program which: (1) conducts student assessment; (2) provides academic and basic skills training through the Program's learning center; (3) integrates the teaching of thinking skills with instruction in writing, reading, and mathematics; and (4) established high academic standards…

Provides an annotated bibliography of eight documents in the ERIC database related to mathematics education in community colleges. Presents articles related to improving placement testing, setting standards, and reforming curricula to prepare students for future jobs. (AJL)

Presents a brief discussion of the challenges presented to mathematics education by changes in social dependence on mathematics, in professional response to the needs of students, in institutional expectations of students and teachers, and in student demographics and expectations. Provides an extended outline for a syllabus used to clearly…

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 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…

Technological advances during the past few decades have revolutionized many complex systems that influence human activity. As the rate of technological progress accelerates, these systems will become more complex, and new ones will evolve. Citizens in a technological society need to be able to make intelligent choices about how technology will…

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…

Arguing that high attrition rates and low grades in trigonometry classes underscore the need for changes in the approach to trigonometry instruction, these papers suggest an instructional model and present a proposal for its adoption at the College of San Mateo (CSM). The first paper begins with the argument that students' lack of preparation for…

The development of a Project for Mathematics Anxiety Reduction Training (Project MART) is described. This Project was designed as an in-service, staff development program for the City University of New York's instructors. The Project is based on the concept that modifying instructor behavior in the teaching of mathematics will lead to lower…

Describes a competency based business mathematics course offered at Spokane Falls Community College (Washington) in which students, through the use of calculators, master mathematical concepts without having to mentally add columns of figures or perform complex arithmetic problems on paper. Examines both the mathematical and 10-key skills…

The mathematics learning center at Tacoma Community College aims to provide an effective method of reaching a diversity of student needs using three programs: independent-tutorial study, student tutorial, and a basic arithmetic skills laboratory. More than 30 mathematics courses are offered; each has an option of individualized instruction or…

Describes a study that examined three areas of student assessment in a college algebra classroom (i.e., oral interactions, observations, and problem-solving investigations) before and after the use of graphing calculators in class activities. Reports that the use of the calculators enhanced the teacher's assessment practices in all three areas.…

Examines four major elements of a strong mathematics program (tracking, curriculum, student needs, and articulation), interpreting them as they pertain to community colleges. Discusses the role of two-year colleges in the mathematical preparation of future elementary school teachers and provides sample workplace-oriented math problems. (MAB)