This paper is based on the on-going research, work, and teaching carried out in the Mathematics Foundations Course (MFC) at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Teaching is a very intimate and rewarding experience for the mathematics lecturer as well as for the adult student. Mathematics lecturers and adults should be challenged by their…

This book contains a set of versatile enrichment exercises that cover a very broad range of mathematical topics and applications in algebra from the Moebius strip to the googol. Several criteria have been used in developing the activities and selecting the topics that are included. All of them bear heavily and equally on concerns for curriculum…

The social science finding that two-thirds of a population of successful males are first-born sons provided the motivation for a problem solved by a 12th grade honors class. The class proved that the probability of choosing a first-born son from a male population is about two-thirds. (JP)

Examples are presented of mathematics lessons which are motivated through mathematical curiosities found in "Ripley's Believe It Or Not." (JP)

Presented are several variations of a multiplication game which develops probability and statistical concepts while it reinforces students' arithmetic skills. (JP)

Develops models to systematically forecast the tendency of an educational administrator in charge of personnel selection processes to shift from one decision strategy to another under generally stable environmental conditions. Urges further research on these processes by educational planners. (JF)

In this paper, we explore the rules that determine intuitive predictions and judgments of confidence and contrast these rules to the normative principles of statistical prediction. (Author)

Two experiments compared Ss' serial recall of 16 hierarchically formed patterns of ordered digits. (Author)

The use of indicator functions is promoted as a vehicle for providing students with greater appreciation and understanding of the function concept, which might be good preparation for the functional concepts of probability and random variable. The use is seen to provide a reasonably accessible method of verifying set-theoretic statements. (MP)

Several common errors reflecting difficulties in probabilistic reasoning are identified, relating to ambiguity, previous outcomes, sampling, unusual events, and estimating. Knowledge of these mistakes and interpretations may help mathematics teachers understand the thought processes of their students. (MNS)

Outlines an approach to information retrieval which integrates the existing theory of probabilistic retrieval into a practical methodology based on Boolean searches. Basic concepts, search methodology, and examples of Boolean searching are noted. Twenty-six sources are appended. (EJS)