In 1990, a study was conducted at Columbia College (CC) to determine whether a predictor variable could be constructed for student nonsuccess in beginning mathematics courses. For the purposes of the study, nonsuccess was defined as earning a grade of D, F, or No Credit either at the time of withdrawal from the course or as a final grade. The…

Discussion of need for improved mathematics education of preservice teachers focuses on a model program, the Mathematics Fitness Project, that includes a computer-generated testing system, management system, and remediation system. Use of the system to improve mathematics skills and attitudes of college students and post high school adults is…

Out-of-date textbooks, inappropriate tests, and underprepared teachers have left mathematics in the classroom in disarray. The need for a permanent national capability to influence all agencies responsible for mathematics education is discussed. (MLW)

Discussed are the major historical developments of geometry. Euclid, Descartes, Klein's Erlanger Program, Gaus and Riemann, globalization, topology, Elie Cartan, and an application to molecular biology are included as topics. (KR)

Reviews six research articles involving the use of computers for mathematics instruction: (1) geometry skills; (2) calculus; (3) interactive videodisc in pre-calculus; (4) model for integrating computers in classroom; (5) computerized tutoring in applied algebra; and (6) software for enhancing problem-solving skills. (YP)

Explores some classic Fibonacci problems with the aid of AppleWorks spreadsheets calculations. Provides problems and spreadsheets for solving them. (Author/YP)

Presents a selection of solutions of the "Three Hungry Men" problem from grade three to college students with three different strategies used: backward, forward, and forward/backward strategies. Provides error patterns in each strategy. Discusses some implications for teaching of problem solving. (YP)

Research of expert-novice differences is reviewed seeking to show experts possess a large body of domain specific knowledge. It was postulated that experts possess schemas enabling them to classify problems, call up the appropriate automated rules, then apply these to obtain the solution. (DC)

This article, which is organized around a single, well-known algorithm for root extraction, presents a way of incorporating dynamical systems into the teaching of mathematics. Included are sample exercises using complex numbers and the computer where students have the opportunity to do some analysis on this algorithm. (KR)

Various ways in which computers can be used in the classroom depending on the subject, students' background, and individual teaching style are discussed. A way to evaluate professional software packages for use in the classroom is included. (KR)

The programing language PROLOG is compared to LOGO in terms of its ability to handle mathematical ideas. This is demonstrated by using PROLOG in solving a geometric theorem and two lemmas. The listings of the computer programs used to solve the problems are included. (KR)

This article defines "higher level mathematical skills" and details an important class: that of "constructing instances" of mathematical objects satisfying certain properties. Comment is made on the frequency of higher level tasks in undergraduate work. We explain how such questions may be assessed "in practice" without the imposition on staff of…

Shows step-by-step use of spreadsheets with an example from linear programing using the Simplex method. Describes pivot choosing and partial Gauss-Jordan elimination procedures. (YP)

This paper describes a computer simulation of Buffon's needle problem. The problem considers the probability that a needle will cross a line when the needle is thrown in a random way onto the parallel lines a certain distance apart. The paper provides the algorithm and computer program. (YP)

Four techniques used to incorporate writing and active learning into mathematics classrooms are described. They include summary sheets, short focused writing, medium length writing, and student presentations. Examples of how each technique can be used are included. (KR)