Practical and engaging, this book contains 21 case studies that help students apply curriculum theory to classroom reality. Each case is authored by an in-service teacher, reflecting on ways to improve instruction by making changes to various aspects of the curriculum. These real-life examples investigate up-to-date curricular issues ranging from…

Performance was examined for five cohorts of 1998-2002 Texas public high school graduates through their first year and 1998-2001 cohorts through their fourth year of Texas public higher education. Student performance on college outcomes included (a) first- and fourth-year grade point averages (GPAs), (b) first- and fourth-year credit hours earned,…

This study explored personality variables measured by the 16 Personality Factor (16PF) test and their relevance to success, as defined by the final course grade, in college calculus courses with 94 students. Two personality variables were significant predictors of success as determined by the final course grade. A Statistical Analysis System…

This paper discusses the assumptions required by the item response theory (IRT) true-score equating method (with Stocking & Lord, 1983; scaling approach), which is commonly used in the nonequivalent groups with an anchor data-collection design. More precisely, this paper investigates the assumptions made at each step by the IRT approach to…

Structural covariance models that would explain the correlations observed among mathematics achievement and participation measures and related cognitive and affective variables were developed. A sample of college calculus students (N=268; 124 females and 144 males) was administered a battery of cognitive tests (including measures of spatial-visual…

This document explores two methods of obtaining numbers that are approximations of certain definite integrals. The methods covered are the Trapezoidal Rule and Romberg's method. Since the formulas used involve considerable calculation, a computer is normally used. Some of the problems and pitfalls of computer implementation, such as roundoff…

It is noted that there are some integrals which cannot be evaluated by determining an antiderivative, and these integrals must be subjected to other techniques. Numerical integration is one such method; it provides a sum that is an approximate value for some integral types. This module's purpose is to introduce methods of numerical integration and…

Fifteen research reports related to mathematics education are abstracted and analyzed. Six of the reports deal with aspects of learning theory, four with areas in mathematics instruction (calculus, elementary mathematics for students of economics, and planning for topics for kindergarten children), and two with assessment or prediction of…

Contained in these proceedings are: (1) two lectures; (2) reports from four working groups, three review groups, and three special groups; and (3) a list of participants. Lecture I, by Caleb Gattengo, was entitled "Reflections of 40 Years of Work on Mathematics Teaching." Lecture II, by David Hawkins, was entitled, "Understanding…

This report compares the results of three successive second year calculus classes, in which part of each class was taught the concept of uniform convergence of a sequence of functions by an interactive COMIT module, while the remainder was given lectures in the traditional manner. An outline of the teaching techniques used in the module is…

This curriculum guide outlines the mathematics objectives of each of the grades K-8 under the headings of operations, sentences and problem solving, numbers and numeration, measurement, geometry, statistics, and applications. Examples of each of the objectives are given. High school minimal skills are listed. The sequence of mathematics courses…

Reviews for three software packages are given. Those packages are: 20/20 Statistics, Graphing Equations, and COMPUCALC. The first package is a set of programs for use in introductory statistics, the second contains four programs for studying the graphing of equations, and the third contains examples and techniques from calculus. (PK)

Discusses the debate concerning the teaching of calculus. States that some consider calculus reform urgent because of the course's position in undergraduate studies. Considers the quality of mathematics instruction in the computer era. Cites examples of institutional experiments with new course designs. (CW)

Describes an Apple computer program (listing available from author) which simulates Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction using vector addition techniques (vector chaining) and allows user to experiment with different shaped multiple apertures. Graphics output include vector resultants, phase difference, diffraction patterns, and the Cornu spiral…

Mathematics software can be a great aid in understanding difficult mathematics concepts at all levels. This paper presents nine exercises on calculus concepts by using different software used in mathematics education. Each exercise includes instruction on how to use software in order to highlight a specific concept in mathematics. This paper also…