This article gives an overview of the state of mathematics education in Argentina across all levels, in the regional and world contexts. Statistics are drawn from Mercosur and UNESCO data bases, World Education Indicators and various national time-series government reports. Mathematics results in national testing programmes, Programme for…

States are increasingly focusing the mission of their elementary and secondary education systems on preparing all students for success in postsecondary education and 21st century careers. As standards have increased, so too have graduation requirements. Today, 20 states and the District of Columbia have adopted such high school graduation…

The results of a survey of the mathematics provision within UK university computer science departments are presented. In particular it is found that many academics are dissatisfied with the level of "mathematical preparedness" of their students. A number of recommendations and resources are suggested to address this. (Contains 6 figures.)

Placement tests are rapidly joining the ranks of high-stakes testing and college freshmen are required to take mathematics placement exams to determine their first mathematics course upon entering college. Unfortunately, these exams tend to place students in a lower-level or remedial course. As a result, additional expenses are incurred, degree…

The University of Auckland offers a one-year pre-degree Tertiary Foundation Certificate (TFC) Programme, for up to 200 students who are under-prepared for university study. The students may come straight from school without having gained a university entrance qualification, or they may be students returning to education who lack the confidence to…

Presents a summary report of the Algebra Working Group's discussion subgroup on tertiary algebra at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. (MKR)

It is an eye opening experience for students to find out that even a great mathematician like Leibniz made mistakes, forgot to check carefully his calculations, and was temporarily misled by user-friendly but incorrect formulas. From Leibniz's mishap with the derivation of the rules of differentiation students can learn the importance of spending…

In the study reported here, we investigate the skills needed to validate a proof in real analysis, i.e., to determine whether a proof is valid. We first argue that when one is validating a proof, it is not sufficient to make certain that each statement in the argument is true. One must also check that there is good reason to believe that each…

Results from an earlier study conducted by the researchers [Cai, J., & Cifarelli, V.V. (2005). "Exploring mathematical exploration: How two college students formulated and solved their own mathematical problems?" "Focus on Learning Problems in Mathematics," 27(3), 43-72] illustrated and explained several characteristics of the solvers'…

Mathematics lecturers have long expressed concern about their students poor mathematical background and the effect this has on performance in first mathematics courses at university level. This article explores a similar concern about students' numeracy in a statistics course for psychologists.

Calculus has been witnessing fundamental changes in its curriculum, with an increased emphasis on visualization. This mode for representing mathematical concepts is gaining more strength due to the advances in computer technology and the development of dynamical mathematical software. This paper focuses on the understanding of the function and its…

Over the past two decades, calculus reformers have called for the use of alternative pedagogical techniques to promote student learning. Some mathematics instructors have responded by developing a set of student projects intended to hone thinking skills and improve the mathematical writing skills of calculus students. Drawbacks to this strategy…

Discusses a numerical technique called the method of adjoints, turning a linear two-point boundary value problem into an initial value problem. Described are steps for using the method in linear or nonlinear systems. Applies the technique to solve a simple pendulum problem. Lists 15 references. (YP)

Identifies requisite math skills for a microeconomics course, offering samples of supply curves, demand curves, equilibrium prices, elasticity, and complex graph problems. Recommends developmental mathematics competencies, including problem solving, reasoning, connections, communication, number and operation sense, algebra, relationships,…

The aim of the 2018 International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA) conference was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There have been advances in both cognitive…