The placement tests used at most colleges represent what is probably the biggest hurdle in the transition between school and collegiate mathematics. This article looks at different aspects of the problems and suggests some strategies for attempting to resolve the difficulties.

In the fall of 2003, the author conducted research on the student teaching process in Japan. The basis for most of the lessons observed was rich mathematics problems. Upon returning to the US, the author used one such problem while teaching an algebra 2 class. This article introduces that problem, which gives rise to both linear and quadratic…

A teacher shares his successful experience in helping students understand the relationship between exponents and logarithms in high school and college courses. He presents the procedure that he used for teaching using a graphing calculator that shows previous calculations made.

This article describes the collaboration between an eighth grade teacher and two college professors in the design and implementation of in vivo field experiences that help preservice secondary school mathematics teachers connect theories of learning with instructional practice.

Introduces the concept of function using graphs or pictorial representations of functions. Presents four activities for grade levels 8-14 that use the natural progression from qualitative graphs to quantitative graphs to tables to equations for introducing the theme of distance from an object as a function of time. (Author/NB)

Describes the mathematical needs of electricians and in so doing, indicates where the trainers of electricians strike a balance between skills, understanding, and problem solving. (KHR)

Presents three fundamental ideas of calculus and explains using the coordinate plane geometrically. Uses Cabri Geometry II to show how computer geometry systems can facilitate student understanding of general conic objects and its dynamic algebraic equations. (KHR)

Offers suggestions for real-world projects in the statistics classroom for business students. (KHR)

Discusses textbooks from the 1800s for young ladies versus young men, for the youngest students, more advanced students, and university students. Regards these publications as furnishing a record of the skills thought to be essential at the turn of the previous century. (KHR)

Investigates the types of instructor behavior that created or exacerbated mathematics anxiety in students. Determines the grade level at which mathematics anxiety first occurred in these students. Concludes that several factors can cause mathematics anxiety, instructor behavior being one of them. (ASK)

In order for teachers to use cooperative-learning strategies effectively, they must become sensitized to the many complexities of the technique. Explains how a mathematics teacher-education class can engage pre-service and in-service teachers in a cooperative-learning activity that can be used both as a model and as a subject for reflection and…

Calculus students have great trouble visualizing solids of revolution and their cross sections. Illustrates the use of props in order to help students understand the solid revolution. (ASK)

Discusses the process and the usefulness of translating empirical logic puzzles into mathematical problems which may be more easily solved, then translating the answer back into the context of the original problem. Presents nine logic puzzles devised by Lewis Carroll, with answers. (AIM)

Proposes a mathematical way of thinking about how well a rolling object moves. Describes classroom activities that were carried out to measure and evaluate models of rolling objects. In theory, the activities lead immediately to the theory of convex sets. Also includes discussion on Reuleaux rollers. (AIM)

Discusses the interconnection among the various modes of the TI-92 calculator (geometry, data graphing, function graphing, and algebra) and how the power of visualization is extended to provide multiple approaches to complex problem situations. Provides a graphing problem with illustrations and results. (AIM)