To achieve the vision of mathematics set forth in "Crossroads" ("AMATYC," 1995), students must experience mathematics as a sensemaking endeavor that informs their world. Embedding the study of mathematics into the real world is a challenge, particularly because it was not the way that many of us learned mathematics in the first place. This article…

This is the third and final article in this series. The first article reviewed the literature for research studies on successful developmental programs and students. The second article reported on the qualitative research methods and results documented from a purposive sample of twenty successful developmental mathematics students 3-5 years after…

Assessment of student learning is key to all educational endeavors and required by governmental and accrediting bodies. Faculty initiate and implement assessment strategies to be sure that students are learning what is being taught. Classroom assessment is generally easier for faculty to embrace than course or program level assessment because…

This article, the first in a three-part series, will explore the existing body of research regarding successful developmental mathematics education. The three-part series will present qualitative research conducted at a large Midwest public university. The qualitative study was conducted three to five years after students completed their…

This article, the second in a three-part series, outlines the qualitative research design and findings. The qualitative study was conducted three to five years after students completed their developmental mathematics course work at a large Midwest public university. The purpose was to collect students' points of view regarding what, if any,…

Geometric and algebraic solutions to problems involving reflections of balls on a pool table are presented. The question of whether the ball must eventually enter a pocket is explored. A determination of the number of reflections is discussed. (CW)

This article traces some of the events leading up to the call for reform, differing aspects of the suggested reform, steps taken, and possible future directions for the reform of calculus instruction. (CW)

Four algebra problems and their solutions are presented to illustrate the use of a mathematical theorem. (CW)

Discusses the need for a geometry course in a two-year college mathematics program. Provided are guidelines for developing the geometry course separately or integrally with current curricular pattern. (25 references) (YP)

Discusses a student project requiring a student to sample a population of interest to obtain a set of data, compute the necessary descriptive measures, and make a conclusion based on the data. Described are the introduction phase; formats; handout material; and suggested projects for individual and teams. (YP)

Examines some of the opinions and recommendations expressed in the current literature regarding changes computing technology may bring to the undergraduate mathematics curriculum. Discusses the views of educators, the stances taken by professional groups, and a look to the future. (26 references) (YP)

Describes the educational system in the African country of Botswana and the mathematics program at the University of Botswana designed to alleviate the shortage of mathematics teachers by placing a heavy educational emphasis on mathematics, science, and technology. (MDH)

Several activities involving area and volume using empty paper rolls are presented. The relationships of parallelograms to cylinders are illustrated. Teaching suggestions are provided. (CW)

Describes a course, "Mathematics and the Environment," for liberal arts students. The course is designed to motivate students and to demonstrate that mathematical concepts are necessary to understand global issues. Lists some global issues, information sources, and classroom activities. (YP)

Ideas which apply language concepts to the study of algebra are presented. Discussed are algebraic notation, vocabulary, vocalization, and written assignments. The careful use of algebraic language in mathematics classes is emphasized. (CW)