An iterative procedure for adjusting examination marks from papers of varying standards is given. The convergence of the procedure is demonstrated and attention is drawn to an underlying linear model. (MP)

Discusses some mathematical games concerning the packing of squares. (HM)

The problem of determining an optimal passing score for a mastery test is discussed, when the purpose of the test is to predict success on an external criterion. For the case of constant losses for the two possible error types, a method for determining passing scores is derived. (Author/JKS)

Defines and discusses the analog computer and its use in a physiology laboratory. Includes two examples: (1) The Respiratory Control Function and (2) CO-Two Control in the Respiratory System. Presents diagrams and mathematical models. (MA)

Cellular partitioning of space is discussed. Directions are given for making geometric models of cells. (DT)

Using a staircase to introduce the concept of slope is discussed. (DT)

Presents a mathematical programming model that will make admit/reject decisions for freshman university applicants. The model is intended to aid reviewers in producing better, more consistent decisions. The author shows that a linear programming formulation will provide an efficient and practical solution for all but a very few applicants.…

Considers the use of differential fees for the same tuition services as a means to widen the financial accessibility of nongovernment schools to children of less affluent parents in Australia. (Author)

Describes and evaluates further education's new funding methodology, introduced in 1993 by Britain's Further Education Funding Council when it took control of the higher education sector from local authorities. The methodology provides colleges with incentives to expand and lower unit costs and tries to reduce funding inequities among colleges.…

Describes an activity, designed to comply with the National Science Education Standards, that integrates science and mathematics concepts. Mathematical modeling of the moon's phases is employed to show students the role of mathematics in describing scientific phenomena. (DKM)

States a convenient algorithm for temperature scale conversions and shows how performing the successive steps improves the accuracy of the results. (DDR)

Examines various processes of verbalizing in mathematics teaching. Describes several types of communication between school students and gives some examples for tasks. Interpretations for didactical concepts based on ideas about mathematical modeling, heuristic-experimental working, and also work with sequences of questions in mathematics teaching…

The Markov random graphs of O. Frank and D. Strauss (1986) and the estimation strategy for these models developed by Strauss and M. Ikeda (1990) are promising contributions. This paper describes a large class of models that can be used to investigate structure in social networks and illustrates their use. (SLD)

Decision theory is a useful method for assessing the effectiveness of the components of a course placement system. The effectiveness of placement tests or other variables in identifying underprepared students is described by the conditional probability of success in a standard course. Estimating the conditional probability of success is discussed.…

Discusses the meaning of the phrase "mathematics is everywhere." Introduces the book "Reconstructing School Mathematics: Problems with Problems and the Real World", written by Stephen Brown, which emphasizes mathematical modeling and the connection between mathematics and students' lives. (KHR)