We describe a lecture-free problem-solving Mathematical Communication and Reasoning (MCR) course that helps students succeed in the Introduction to Advanced Mathematics course. The MCR course integrates elements from Uri Treisman's Emerging Scholars workshop model and Math Circles. In it students solve challenging problems and form a supportive…

This paper presents 'expert opinions' on what should be taught in a first-year linear algebra course at university; the aim is to gain a generic picture and general guiding principles for such a course. Drawing on a Delphi method, 14 university professors--called 'experts' in this study--addressed the following questions: What should be on a…

Most instructors desire to create a learning environment conducive to deep learning. However, in courses where grades are based upon the accumulation of points, students may focus on collecting points rather than on learning and achieving the course objectives. We discuss an alternative points-free course design based on the development of clear…

Effective statistical collaboration in a multidisciplinary health research environment requires skills not taught in the usual statistics courses. Graduates often learn such collaborative skills through trial and error. In this paper, we discuss the development of a biostatistical collaboration course aimed at graduate students in a Health…

Described is the development and implementation of a course on the history of irrational numbers for inservice mathematics teachers in Israel. Some of the materials included in the course are discussed. (RH)

It is noted that less than 35 percent of 406 collegiate institutions recently surveyed offered a course specifically concerning the history of mathematics. This is viewed as a very disturbing situation. Reasons for teaching such a course are given, and suggestions are made regarding course instruction. (MP)

The explicit statement of course objectives and a retrospective analysis of student test results are used in the evaluation of a mathematics course for engineering students. (BW)

Drawing from recent literature and research, this paper provides an overview of the place of statistics in the two-year college curriculum. First, sources are cited in evidence of the strong support among educators for statistics as one of the most useful topics that can be taught. Next, research findings are presented showing that statistics…

The authors report on the stage of a project (tertiary education in applied mathematics, TEAM) aimed at investigating first-year students' expectations and preferences and lecturers' aims in relation to first-year undergraduate mathematics courses. (Author/MN)

Describes a course, "Mathematics and the Environment," for liberal arts students. The course is designed to motivate students and to demonstrate that mathematical concepts are necessary to understand global issues. Lists some global issues, information sources, and classroom activities. (YP)

Beyond Crossroads states that mathematics faculty should (a) select technology that is accessible to students enrolled in their distance learning mathematics course, (b) advise students on the expectations of their distance learning mathematics course and orient them to the distance learning environment of their course, (c) provide students with…

Several outlines for a calculator usage course are presented, along with some suggested course objectives. The approaches seek to teach the utilization of calculators as computing devices into which formulas and calculations are translated. (MP)

Presents a brief discussion of the challenges presented to mathematics education by changes in social dependence on mathematics, in professional response to the needs of students, in institutional expectations of students and teachers, and in student demographics and expectations. Provides an extended outline for a syllabus used to clearly…

A study was conducted to assess faculty and student preferences regarding the goals and content of Saddleback College's (California) liberal arts mathematics course. Following a review of the literature, an extensive list of course goals, content areas, and prior student preparation needs was formed into a questionnaire, which was administered to…

It is argued that course content should be specified as explicitly as possible in terms of what is expected of the student in the future. Four levels of details are addressed: (1) customary course objectives; (2) behavioral questions; (3) behavioral objectives; and (4) exams. The report described the Statistical Test Item Collection System…