Florida Atlantic University implemented a number of changes in the College Algebra course in an attempt to improve student success. We summarize these changes, and how they have affected the course. We also discuss possibilities for future improvements. (Contains 3 figures and 1 footnote.)

Algebra is the language that must be mastered for any course that uses math because it is the gateway for entry into any science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) discipline. This book fosters mastery of critical math and algebraic concepts and skills essential to all of the STEM disciplines and some of the social sciences. This…

A chronology of activities which have led to the design of a comprehensive mathematics algebra program is described. (Author/MK)

This paper describes "The Migration Method," a new technique for graphing a quadratic function (one of the major foundations of undergraduate mathematics) and finding its zeroes. The method promotes a higher degree of conceptualization, reinforces the concept of symmetry, encourages mental visualization, and strengthens the ability to…

Describes how the cubic formula can be presented easily at the precalculus level, shows how to verify that the formula is correct, and identifies when it is profitable to use. (KHR)

At the Ohio State University a precalculus course with a very large enrollment was individualized by using a combination of televised lectures, small recitation sections, flexible testing procedures, variable course credit, and other innovative procedures. (SD)

THIS REPORT DESCRIBES A PROGRAM FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICAL PREPARATION OF STUDENTS IN THE BIOLOGICAL, MANAGEMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (BMSS). THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A SEQUENCE OF COURSES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE VARIED TRAINING IN MATHEMATICS IN THE LIMITED TIME BMSS STUDENTS HAVE AVAILABLE. OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE ARE ELEMENTARY…

The presentation of topics in calculus and matrix algebra to second semester freshmen along with a treatment of exponential and power functions would permit them to cope with a significant portion of the mathematical concepts that comprise the essence of several disciplines in a business school curriculum. (Author)

Presented are a suggested program and the course outlines for the pregraduate preparation of research mathematicians. The program set forth is designed for the first four years of a sequence of formal course study leading to the Ph.D. in a total of seven years. The proposed program of pre-graduate mathematical studies falls into two parts:…

This study explores a program designed to revolutionize developmental mathematics at the college level using the new handheld computer algebra systems and new information about the ways in which students learn mathematics. Students in one class of developmental algebra worked with the new approach to learn algebra by building on their intuitive…

This study assessed the effectiveness of the remedial/developmental mathematics program developed at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Data was gathered from a random sample of 604 students who participated in the program for at least part of the three-year period 1981-84 and for whom both pretest and posttest scores were available in at least one…

This investigation tried to determine if a statistically significant relationship exists between different sequences of enrollment in remedial mathematics and grades obtained in college algebra classes at Jacksonville State University. Groups consisting of five different enrollment sequences in mathematics were studied. The data collected supports…

The different approaches for solving problems and learning mathematics with technology are invaluable. This paper describes how to determine the variables of the ordinary annuity equation with a spreadsheet. Examples of future value of annuity, sinking fund annuity, the number of periods necessary for periodic payments plus interest to accumulate…

This project supported the creation of a computer-based interactive text for linear algebra using guided discovery in a laboratory-based course which emphasized active learning, collaborative learning, and the use of writing. This pedagogical approach had as its goal improved student understanding and retention of the concepts and methods of…

The main purpose of this special issue is to suggest strategies for meeting the mathematical needs of two-year college students in the decade of the 1990s. Since the 20 contributors were free to write about topics that they considered to be appropriate to the intellectual and personal development of all students their papers represent a broad…