The growth of computer technology into industry, marketing, engineering, and science forces the education sector to focus on training the students with the most advanced technology and prepare them for the technological workplace. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students graduating from universities are required to…

This study compared the outcomes of student learning between an online Pre-Calculus course and a face-to-face Pre-Calculus course. Participants for this study included nine online and 14 face-to-face students from an urban community college in the Southeastern region of the United States. The study data were written responses from the subjects to…

For students with little experience in mathematical thinking and conceptualization, writing-to-learn activities (WTL) can be particularly effective in promoting discovery and understanding. For community college students embarking on a first calculus course in particular, writing activities can help facilitate the transition from an "apply…

Population models are often discussed in algebra, calculus, and differential equations courses. In this article we will use the human population of the world as our application. After quick looks at two common models we'll investigate more deeply a model which incorporates the negative effect that accumulated pollution may have on population.

This case study documents the struggles and successes encountered by a pre-calculus teacher while using Classroom Connectivity Technology (CCT) daily in her community college mathematics course. CCT refers to a wireless communication system that connects a teacher's computer with an individual student's handheld calculator and has been associated…

As a precursor to lessons on prime decomposition and reducing fractions, rules are generally presented for divisibility by 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 and sometimes for those popular composites such as 4 and 25. In our experience students often ask: "What about the one for 7?" and we are loathe to simply state that there isn't one. We have yet to see a…

The tedium that characterizes many routine calculus activities necessary for average students often results in the loss of the most talented to the field of mathematics. One way to overburden teacher to nurture mathematical talent within a typical calculus class is to encourage student research. This article illustrates how student research…

This paper suggests examples that may be used to better integrate modern technology into the calculus I curriculum, and at the same time extend the student's understanding of the underlying concepts. Examples are chosen from the usual topics considered in most courses and not limited to any specific form of the technology.

Based on the assumption that each student learns in a unique way, this paper outlines the factors to be considered before selecting the methods of instruction for particular mathematics courses and their students. The advantages and disadvantages of the lecture/textbook and question/answer method, individualized instruction, self-pacing,…