Discusses the ways in which student and teacher perceptions of mathematics influence mathematics instruction in the classroom. Indicates that the two major views of mathematics are number-orientation and meaning-orientation. Suggests that developmental educators should teach their students to approach mathematics from a meaning-oriented…

Describes a study comparing the effectiveness of desensitization techniques on the math anxiety and math self-concept of 96 traditional and nontraditional college students enrolled in developmental math classes. Math anxiety decreased for both traditional and nontraditional students after treatment, though it decreased more for traditional…

Evaluates the effectiveness of calculator usage in the learning of basic skills by developmental mathematics students with respect to increasing mathematical performance, as measured by a "no calculator permitted" content specific test. Results show calculator usage neither positively nor negatively affected the attainment of basic skills.…

Describes a study examining the effect of hand-held calculators on student achievement in college developmental mathematics classes. Finds no significant differences between control and treatment groups, indicating that students who used calculators scored slightly lower on posttests but achieved higher final course grades as a group than control…

Describes a study designed to measure students' perceptions of remedial mathematics classroom environments and to identify differences between female and male students' perceptions. Indicates that although men and women found the mathematics classroom environment to be a positive one, women held more positive perceptions of the classroom than men.…

Reports on study of 20 classes of developmental studies mathematics at Middle Tennessee State University. The experimental group received mid-term grade reports, while the control group did not. The study found no significant difference between experimental group and control group between midterm and final grade report averages. Posttest scores…

Describes a study conducted to examine the effects of journal writing on student performance in a math course offered as part of an eight-week summer program for educationally and economically disadvantaged youth. Indicates that students who completed practice exercises at the end of class performed better than those who wrote in their journals…

Reports that as the number of students required to complete developmental mathematics courses increase, faculty turn to the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) standards as guidelines for better instructional methods. Describes the necessity for educators to decide how graphing calculators can be used most effectively…

Contends that institutional resources for the improvement of teaching and learning are often lacking at community colleges; thus, the idea that they are teaching institutions--as opposed to research institutions--is flawed. Asserts that the increase in the number of part-time faculty results in departments with a smaller core of full-time faculty…

Describes a study evaluating an experimental approach to developmental mathematics instruction. Indicates that the experimental group was taught with a method incorporating traditional methods with student research in topics related to mathematics. Suggests that, when significant, the differences between the experimental and control groups favored…

Describes the implementation of a comprehensive developmental-mathematics program at Onondaga Community College (New York) that provides students with assistance, from the evaluation of their entry-level skills through their transition to credit-level courses. Discusses key elements of the program, such as placement testing, diagnostic services,…

Presents the results of a two-part survey on developmental education in four-year colleges and universities. Describes the requirements, staffing, and enrollment in the programs, and assesses the extent to which a subsample of developmental mathematics instructors follow the standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.…

Describes an ethnographic study of 126 developmental mathematics students at a 4-year college to determine characteristics related to success in the course and subsequent retention. Reports that student attendance and engagement strongly influenced success. Lists recommendations for improving student engagement. A list of observed student…

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Describes a study to determine whether mathematics laboratory tutors at New York's Onondaga Community College have been able to adapt to the influx of developmental students over the past decade. Indicates that, based on surveys of laboratory students, tutors have been able to provide quality assistance. The survey instrument is appended. (AJL)