Reported are results of a study of a sample of 259 students at the University of Massachusetts who scored low on a math placement test and later took precalculus math classes. Several possible conclusions are presented to explain the test results. A significantly higher percentage (p<.05) of a remedial sample (compared to a non-remedial sample)…

Definitions of computer science and computer literacy are discussed, with their implications for college instruction and job skills. Mathematics as a necessary condition for success in both is noted. (MNS)

Compared test results for new adult freshmen (N=73) with those of younger freshmen under age 25 (N=738). Among results reported are those indicating that neither group is "mathematically literate" and that, although adults may be at an initial disadvantage, the gap between their skills and their counterparts does not appear…

This study examined the demographic, pre-college, environmental, and college factors that impact students' interests in and decisions to earn a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree among students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Results indicated that Hispanic students were well represented among STEM…

Examined whether mathematics-related self-efficacy mediated the effects of gender and mathematical preparation and achievement on math relatedness of college major choice in 117 undergraduates. Results showed that math self-efficacy predicts both math anxiety and math-related major choices. Gender alone appeared insufficient to explain…

Achievement of women in an all-female section of a noncredit, basic algebra course was compared with achievement of women in mixed-sex classes at Indiana University. Women who selected the all-female section had lower mathematical ability scores, yet attained significantly higher achievement scores. (MNS)

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…

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…

Investigated was the influence of socioeconomic status, entry style, and instructional variables on postsecondary mathematics performance of students in New Guinea. The pattern of results indicated that the performance of students could be more meaningfully grouped based on entry style rather than on mode of instruction. (Author/CW)

Proposes elements of a model of knowledge structures used in comprehending and generating graphs. Uses the competence model to attempt to organize and interpret findings on misconceptions in graphing. Discusses two types of common misconceptions; treating the graph as a picture and slope-height confusions. (YP)

Describes a study performed to assess the impact of homework collection in college intermediate algebra courses. Two groups of students (n=108) were evaluated: one group did not turn in homework assignments and one did. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the number of A's earned, with the latter group performing…

Undergraduate college students in an advanced math class were videotaped as they worked on three mathematical proofs. Findings indicated that both ability and self-efficacy were needed for group success. Members with high levels of self-efficacy served the group by encouraging others to continue working. Groups tended to use a trial-and-error…

This article reports on action research that took place in one section of a college general education mathematics course in which all three students who were enrolled had diagnosed learning disabilities related to mathematics. The project emerged in response to a question about performance in a mathematics course in which making sense of…

This paper addresses the issue of collegiate mathematics achievement of underrepresented minority students as it investigates the impact of a cooperative learning calculus programme on the first-year calculus experience of non-Asian ethnic minority engineering students. The Emerging Ethnic Engineers Programme in the College of Engineering at the…

This study ascertained the relative effectiveness of writing assignments in mathematics compared to traditional assignments on the performance of students (N=83) in an elementary, college algebra course. Students were placed into experimental and control groups based on the nature of assignments given. Control subjects were given 15 assignments…