When students take their first upper division mathematics course after an introduction to proof course, they are often overwhelmed by the prospect of writing in a mathematics course. In mathematics, unlike other disciplines, students are very seldom asked to respond via writing to a reading assignment, to write an essay about a topic they have…

The effect of educational technologies on learning is an area of active interest. We conducted an experiment to compare the impact of instructional software on student performance. We hypothesize that some of the impact on student performance may reflect the influence of the technology on student subject-related beliefs and that those beliefs may…

This course guide for calculus offered at the high school level begins with an overview of the course. The overview includes a rationale for including calculus in the high school curriculum, a description and rationale of calculator and computer use in the calculus class, the desired qualifications and characteristics of calculus teachers,…

This manual was developed to provide guidance to individuals working in Project SOAR (Stress on Analytical Reasoning), a pre-freshman summer program for science majors anticipating matriculation at Xavier University of Louisiana. Following an overview of Xavier University and Project SOAR and an outline of general instructions, specific…

This booklet provides an overview of the Elements of Mathematics Program used in Project MEGSSS (Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students). It was designed for gifted students in grades 7-12 with excellent reading and reasoning ability. It attempts to explore the upper content limits of the mathematics that such students can…

A review of recent major studies of two-year college developmental mathematics programs shows that there has been much experimentation in curricular offerings, course formats, and instructional approaches, including expanded content related to the students' major fields, and the use of short courses and mini-courses. However, while many…

Different methods of teaching using the computer in a Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) system are discussed and illustrated with sample courseware in mathematics, physics, and elementary science. (DS)

Discusses student-teachers' awareness of research and its potential role in their work as teachers, both as methodology for themselves as practicing researchers-in-action and as material developed by others. Some of the influences that led to the rise of the "teachers as researchers" program are included. (KR)

Offers several LOGO programs to study the behavior of simple nonlinear systems. Suggests that LOGO is an excellent tool for studying chaotic systems. Offers suggestions for different forms of LOGO. Builds upon programs presented in a previous article. (MVL)

Described is a course designed to teach students about fractals using various teaching methods including the computer. Discussed are why the course drew students, prerequisites, clientele, textbook, grading, computer usage, and the syllabus. (KR)

Presented are exercises that demonstrate the application of standard concepts in the design of algorithms for plotting certain fractals. The exercises can be used in any course that explains the concepts of bounded or unbounded planar sets and may serve as an application in a course on complex analysis. (KR)

Describes the development of a college mathematics course for liberal arts majors designed to engage students in the mathematical process of making conjectures, testing those conjectures, and communicating the results. Presents six specific learning objectives for the course. (MDH)

Proposes methods to teach the more difficult concepts of linear algebra. Examines features of the Linear Algebra Curriculum Study Group Core Syllabus, and presents problems from the core syllabus that utilize the mathematical process skills of making conjectures, proving the results, and communicating the results to colleagues. Presents five…

Presented are classroom-tested examples of instructional materials (courseware) for ordinary differential equations using the software package PHASER. All of the examples include in-class demonstration techniques and commentaries for instructor use, student homework and laboratory exercises, and suggestions for in-class examination questions. (JJK)

Describes a study of the effects of mastery learning strategies, interactive video mathematics, individualized instruction, and traditional lectures on community college student achievement, comparing outcomes by instructional method and student characteristics. Finds higher achievement for mastery learning and video methods and for adults 22…