Developmental education has increasingly become part of the national debate in higher education. This is particularly true for developmental mathematics courses which, in general, have the highest rates of failure and non-completion of any developmental subject area. This manuscript describes the current state of the art in developmental…

In this article the author has used 19th-century arithmetic and algebra textbooks as a way to reflect on current practices in developmental mathematics education. Five areas of special interest were found: motivation, relevance, depth, pedagogy, and textbooks. Philosophic and practical statements from vintage textbook authors remind educators of a…

This quasiexperimental study compared academic performance of students enrolled in a developmental mathematics course using traditional instruction (i.e., lecture) and traditional instruction supplemented with computer-assisted instruction. In addition, gender differences in mathematical performance were also investigated. There was no…

Investigates using comprehension monitoring as a technique for problem solving by students in three different sections of developmental algebra. Concludes that students who receive increased emphasis in the use of comprehension monitoring strategies perform better than those who do not receive the training. (Contains 16 references.) (NB)

Focuses on the effective use of technology in developmental mathematics instruction. Suggests that graphing calculators facilitate teaching and learning while scientific calculators do not. Discusses ways that hearing-impaired mathematics students can use the Internet for instruction at the Rochester Institute of Technology (New York). (Contains…

Discusses a study concerning the effective use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in 90 developmental mathematics courses at a southern state university in spring, summer, and fall 2000. Reports that, based on student outcomes, SI may have made a positive difference in performance and retention rates for the students. (Contains 16 references.)…

Describes an Australian distance education remedial mathematics course, which was designed to address issues associated with math anxiety and poor self-concept in regard to mathematics abilities. Concludes that online learning can offer improved opportunities for timid and male students, equal opportunity for others. (Contains 18 references.) (NB)

Discusses a developmental education theory that unites three concepts: self-regulation, demandingness, and responsiveness. Cites examples to illustrate the application of these concepts, specifically in developmental mathematics programs that use computer-mediated and lecture courses. States that such a theory should permit organization of…

Presents an interview with Bob Hackworth on developmental mathematics traditions and alternatives. Discusses issues ranging from how math education, instruction, and technology at two-year colleges have changed over the last 10-15 years, to the role assessment instruments play, or should play, in developmental education and education generally.…

Analyzes data on math performance in three developmental courses using chi-square analysis. Finds that enrollment patterns in math courses were related to ethnicity and age but not gender. Relationships were found between pass-fail frequencies and gender, age, and ethnicity, and between grades and ethnicity in two of the three developmental…

Reviews the evolution of math software from the 1980s to the present. Discusses how current notions of learning styles have changed software applications and how critical thinking and problem solving have impacted software development. Addresses the overall effect of technology on math anxiety and explores what new technology tools are available…

Investigates the impact of faculty and student characteristics on the performance of students in their last developmental mathematics course and in college algebra. Reveals that faculty gender and employment status, and student age, ethnicity, and enrollment status were significantly related to student performance in both developmental mathematics…

Describes a national study of exemplary remedial mathematics courses at 145 two- and four-year colleges. Reports findings related to course titles, administrative responsibility for the courses, placement procedures, instructional methods, course content, instructors, and evaluation procedures. (DMM)

Discusses the learning needs of students in the concrete operational stage in mathematics. Identifies the phenomenon of reduced cognitive performance in an out-of-class environment as the "Cognitive Doppler." Suggests methods of reducing the pronounced effects of the Cognitive Doppler by capitalizing on the students' ability to memorize effective…

Explains the constructivist theory of knowledge and discusses the theory's implications for teaching remedial college students. Analyzes student performance on a college placement test to highlight the differences between how novices and experts process scientific or mathematical materials. Suggests a radical change in introductory algebra…