Recent contributions from theory, research, and practice in second-language instruction are discussed in relation to mathematics education. Three methods of teaching and learning second languages are described--"Delayed Oral Production," the "Silent Way," and the "Counseling Learning/Community Language Learning." (KR)

Describes and evaluates the Mathematics Workshop Program (MWP), which recruits first-year students of all races but typically enrolls primarily minority students. Data clearly suggest that MWP has succeeded in promoting high levels of academic performance among African American mathematics students. (AF)

Compared are the survey responses on practices and perceptions on computer uses in classroom between a faculty group involved in changing 10 undergraduate courses in mathematics and science education (n=25) and a group of regular faculty (n=60). There were no significant differences between two groups except on the use of inquiry and guided…

A growing number of mathematics professors are asking their students to keep journals, write papers, and answer essay questions on tests, arguing that students learn mathematical concepts better by articulating them. This is part of a trend toward teaching mathematics for understanding rather than by rote. (MSE)

Notes muMATH is a powerful computer algebra systems assistant for performing symbol manipulation in algebra and calculus. Provides several examples and program listings for calculus tutoring, differentiation drill problems, and integration drill problems. (MVL)

Integrates research on mathematics anxiety, regarding its nature, effects, and relief by using meta-analysis. Concludes that mathematics anxiety depresses performance and that mathematics and test anxieties both relate to general anxiety. Discusses the sex difference of the anxiety and its effects on achievement. (Author/YP)

Describes an experimental course requiring writing assignments as a regular part of the course. Summarizes common problems with student writing in mathematics. Reports effective procedures of the course, such as peer response, double submission, and efficacious instructor responses. (YP)

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)

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

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)

Discusses the problems of and some solutions presented by the American mathematics education reform movement. Describes ideas concerning criteria for curriculum, assessment, learning, teaching, and teacher education. Proposes several recommendations for a new agenda. (YP)

Presents tasks from the topics of calculus, statistics, non-Euclidean geometry, and probability to illustrate effective college mathematics teaching. Discusses some obstacles to change in college-level mathematics teaching and strategies to overcome those obstacles. (MDH)

This study highlights two groups of students enrolled in a college mathematics of finance course using same textbook and instructor. Experimental group used menu-driven symbolic calculators, whereas control group used standard scientific calculators. Significant increases in favor of experimental group were found both with respect to students'…

A study of 163 undergraduate social work students and 256 nonsocial work students found the social work majors had much higher levels of math anxiety than a cross-section of students enrolled in introductory statistics courses and were found to have taken fewer math courses in high school and college. (Author/MSE)

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)