The crisis confronting calculus and mathematics education generally results from a number of failed assumptions implicit in the dominant lecture-homework-exam methodology used in teaching mathematics. Positive resolution of this crisis can be found in adopting a noncompetitive, collaborative approach to mathematics education. (Author)

Results of a study made to determine the effect of male-female class ratio on female student class participation are reported. In spring 1980, an all-female section of an introductory math course was offered in addition to the other five mixed-sex sections at a midwestern university. It was found that women selecting the all-female section had…

This publication focuses on the work of one bright but math avoidant student in a writing seminar in mathematics. The introductory portion of the document explains the philosophy, goals, and activities of the seminar. The course is intended to provide opportunities for students in the humanities to experience mathematics as a discipline at once…

The effects of math anxiety and sex on computer anxiety, computer confidence, and computer liking were investigated with 161 junior high and high school language arts students; 119 community college mathematics students; and 76 college students residing in dormitories. The Computer Attitude Scale (Loyd and Gressard, 1984) was used to measure…

Reducing math anxiety and building basic mathematical skills should not be treated as separate processes, but can and should be undertaken simultaneously. To do so requires a positive attitude on the part of the instructor; the establishment of an atmosphere in the classroom that encourages learning; and the instructor's awareness of different…

The contributions of acceptance of misconceptions about mathematics, mathematical self-concept, and arithmetic skills to mathematics anxiety and to statistics course performance were studied in 92 adult students aged 18 to 57 with a median age of 27, (16 males and 76 females). Results showed that acceptance of misconceptions and mathematical…

This study examined the nature, causes, and reinforcement of mathematics anxiety as well as methods of alleviating at least some of its symptoms. The literature on the subject was reviewed and an annotated bibliography prepared with entries grouped under three headings: (1) What is Mathematics Anxiety? Definition, Characteristics, and Symptoms;…

In the 1980's, understanding and using mathematics will become even more important in the careers and personal lives of men and women in America. The Mathematics Anxiety Program at the University of Minnesota is the subject of this study. The initial pool of subjects was 342 participants in six separate offerings of the program. The offerings were…

Some of the ways of dealing with math anxiety through a learning center are discussed. These are: (1) offering a non-credit basic mathematics review class; (2) offering one-hour focus groups covering study techniques for entry level math and science courses; (3) sponsoring an informal group dealing with math anxiety; (4) making math anxiety…

The purpose of this study was to determine if teaching techniques and teacher attitudes tend to reduce math anxiety in secondary-level students. The research group consisted of 48 secondary students enrolled in Algebra I at a rural school in West Virginia, with the experimental period lasting 12 weeks. The control group was instructed in the…

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of males and females at Clovis Community College towards math anxiety and to look for possible factors that could be used to assist in the assignment of students to various math classes. The subjects in the study were fifty male students and fifty female students. Subjects responded to a math…

Children in primary education often encounter mathematics having picked up a general fear of mathematics from the society around them. This results in lack of confidence, avoidance of non-standard thought processes, weakness in problem solving strategies, and other negative consequences. This study offers an alternative approach: presenting…

It is hypothesized that those drawn to elementary school teaching do not necessarily enjoy mathematics. A questionnaire was given to over 200 college students, half of them prospective elementary teachers, who were also required to write an essay on attitudes toward mathematics. The results are discussed, and mathematics specialists promoted. (MP)

Experience with materials developed by the Mathematics Teacher Education Project has shown that these resources of teaching methods and suggestions can be used to assist student teachers in their first field experience and in the final term as a means to coalesce and focus on specific teaching strategies. (FG)

Proposals for modifying attitudes and anxieties about mathematics by inner city students and increasing the chances these pupils have to succeed in college mathematics are presented. Orientation sessions are proposed for students entering colleges with mathematics deficiencies and anxieties. (MP)