Because of national concern about the effect of having basic college mathematics courses taught by so many international teaching assistants whose English skills may be limited, this paper reports on the use of language in teaching by regular college faculty, rather than teaching assistants, at Georgia State University. (eight references)…

Discusses the surprising result that the expected number of marbles of one color drawn from a set of marbles of two colors after two draws without replacement is the same as the expected number of that color marble after two draws with replacement. Presents mathematical models to help explain this phenomenon. (MDH)

Discusses a pedagogical approach to calculus based on the question: What kinds of problems should students be able to solve? Includes a discussion of types of problems and curriculum threads for such a course. Describes a projects-based calculus with examples of projects and classroom activities. (Author/MDH)

Suggests that teachers use mathematics problems related to the "1992 World Population Data Sheet" to teach students about such population-related issues as hunger, resource scarcity, poverty, and pollution. Offers sample problems involving percents, ratios, basic calculations, sequences, variability, graphs, averages, and correlation. Includes a…

Some innovative and effective curricula and methods for teaching college mathematics include a Harvard University (Massachusetts) program pairing first-year mathematics doctoral students with experienced teacher-coaches; a University of Chicago (Illinois) doctoral student teacher apprentice program; and a University of Illinois at Bloomington…

The Monte Carlo procedure of generating random points that lie within the unit square is used to approximate pi, as the ratio of points within the first quadrant of the unit circle to the total number of randomly generated points. A BASIC computer program for this method is included. (JJK)

Several examples of solid figures that calculus students can use to exercise their skills at estimating volume are presented. Although these figures are bounded by surfaces that are portions of regular cylinders, it is interesting to note that their volumes can be expressed as rational numbers. (JJK)

Recommendations are made for introduction into mathematics undergraduate degree program of a course that focuses on issues relating to the cultural perspective of the discipline and for the allowance of more time and formal analysis about the history and philosophy underlying the topics examined within all mathematics courses. A list of 15…

Problem-solving strategies which use reflective thinking and inference in mathematics are discussed. Examples are provided with discussions of the learning process. The advantages of this approach are stressed. (CW)

Elementary error estimation in the approximation of functions by polynomials as a computational assignment, error-bounding functions and error bounds, and the choice of interpolation points are discussed. Precalculus and computer instruction are used on some of the calculations. (KR)

Discussed is the use, importance, and availability of programmed algebraic manipulation packages. The general power summation formula is presented and an example using a programed numerical verification package is provided. (KR)

Described is software which allows a student to use simulation to produce analytical output as well as graphical results. The results include a frequency histogram of a selected population distribution, a frequency histogram of the distribution of the sample means, and test the normality distributions of the sample means. (KR)

Presents a history of undergraduate math-education programs and provides results of an action-research experience in a college-algebra course setting. Argues that historical record emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and applications of mathematics, and that present-day instructors should communicate the historical and practical reasons…

A study using a path-analytic model compared first-year college students enrolled in remedial-type mathematics courses with counterparts enrolled in nonremedial coursework. Results revealed that students enrolled in nonremedial courses entered the institution with many advantages over those enrolled in remedial mathematics. Background variables…

Investigates the efficacy of student motivation, prior achievement, and previous instructional experience for predicting performance in college mathematics. Findings indicate that student attitudes were significant predictors of grade performance; previous instructional experience was more significant for predicting pass/fail outcomes than…