A problem-solving capstone course for mathematics and mathematics education majors can help majors synthesize material learned in the major, create a basis for lifelong learning in the discipline, develop confidence, and promote interest in graduate study. Such a course may also play a role in departmental assessment of the major. This article…

External performance assessments for teachers of mathematics have traditionally been accomplished through reviews of student comments as well as through formal evaluations by superiors. Additionally, evaluating lecture-based teaching (as opposed to more active learning environments) focuses primarily on classroom performance, curriculum planning,…

We apply a research-based analytical framework (MALA, for motivation, activity, learning and attribution) to better understand two student-centered college mathematics classes. We demonstrate ways in which the framework can be used to systematically identify problems with classroom management, to generate meaningful suggestions for improvement of…

In this article, we discuss the use of client-driven projects--projects that are posed by business, government, and non-profit organizations and based upon real problems facing the organization. Although client-driven projects have long been used in business and engineering education, their use in the mathematics classroom is rare. Client-driven…

Presented are classroom-tested examples of instructional materials (courseware) for ordinary differential equations using the software package PHASER. All of the examples include in-class demonstration techniques and commentaries for instructor use, student homework and laboratory exercises, and suggestions for in-class examination questions. (JJK)