The aim of this newsletter, published twice a year by the office of Institutional Planning and Research at Seattle Central Community College (Washington), is to help Seattle Central faculty and staff gain access to the institutional data they need, and to help them link and integrate their various planning and assessment activities without…

Described is an activity that incorporates a computer, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to answer questions about the planet Mars. A possible crescent of Mars is compared to those of Venus and Mercury. (KR)

Described is a computer algebra system that can be used to help students understand the calculus. Provides several examples of solving calculus problems using muMATH. Lists eight references. (YP)

Lists references of 16 research summaries, 152 articles, and 220 dissertations alphabetically by author within each category. Provides the grade or age level for each reference. A brief abstract is presented for most of the references. Journals searched and author index by content are included. (YP)

Suggests instructional modifications that utilize liberal arts students interests and strengths to stimulate their interest in mathematics. Suggestions recommend that teachers (1) relate mathematics to current critical issues; (2) make use of projects and open-ended problems; (3) utilize collaborative learning; and (4) provide opportunities for…

In college courses in statistics and computer programing, learning can be enhanced when students are required to express formulas and notations in writing. This approach helps improve concept formation, comprehension, problem solving, and ability to draw conclusions and interpretations. Attention to syntax and form is important. (MSE)

Describes undergraduate projects at Harvey Mudd College (California) that use advanced laboratory equipment and procedures normally reserved for graduate students. Examples are given in experimental biology (e.g., digital imaging and DNA analysis), in physics (e.g., using satellites to study earthquake faults), and in mathematics (e.g., teaching…

Discusses how faculty and reference librarians at Santa Fe Community College (Florida) formed an internal educational partnership to incorporate the use of technology for enhancing teaching and learning. Describes efforts in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the Web-based library instruction course. (LRW)

Provides an annotated bibliography that addresses the preparation of students who discontinue their math and science education after attending a community college, including those who will become K-12 teachers. Discusses challenges students and community colleges face and describes some programs that might improve student success. (Contains 13…

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of using ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces [3]), an online interactive learning system, in teaching a college algebra course at a university. This system was used to replace traditional assignments. The study was conducted in eight college algebra courses in the Fall 2003…

In 2004, the Lumina Foundation for Education approved a generous grant to support validation research to explore and document the validity of the Community College Student Report (CCSR), add to the higher education field's understanding of student engagement, and help to identify research or institutional practices that require further attention.…

In spring 1992, American River College, in California, began a Beacon College project to involve students in the life of the college through the implementation of a Peer Assisted Learning program. In the program, the college established semester-long collaborative study groups in selected math and science classes. Prior to the semester, faculty…

In spring 1992, American River College (ARC), in California, began a Beacon College project to involve students in the life of the college through the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program, involving semester-long, collaborative study groups in selected math and science classes. These two reports describe project outcomes for 1995 and as of January…

Designed to aid decision makers at the Otselic Valley Central School (New York) in selecting the most cost-effective way of providing advanced courses to high school students, this study sought to identify the consequences of choosing a particular alternative so that better decisions could be made. This was done by comparing the cost and…

In 1992, a study was conducted at Golden West College (California) to determine the predictive validity of the Math Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) tests. A total of 1,137 students were tested in-class; 601 took the Algebra Readiness test, 376 took the Elementary Algebra test, and 160 took the Intermediate Algebra test. Two correlation…