The current work is the first article in a two-paper series exploring the role of explicit learning objectives in undergraduate mathematics instruction. A definition of student-learning objective (SLO) is introduced. We give examples of SLOs for topics from introductory college and university mathematics courses. We list potential advantages of a…

We review the processes of goal identification employed in teacher planning. A new type of graphical organizer (Fact-Action-Schema-Transcript or FAST) is introduced and its applications to teacher planning discussed. We describe a pair of algorithms for (a) creating FASTs for undergraduate mathematics and (b) using FASTs to create sets of student…

Describes a research-based analytical framework for motivation, activity, learning, and attribution to exam classroom management issues in student-centered instruction. Reviews research in classroom management for university and college-level classrooms. Describes the research base for the framework. (Contains 88 citations.) (Author/KHR)

We apply a research-based analytical framework (MALA, for motivation, activity, learning and attribution) to better understand two student-centered college mathematics classes. We demonstrate ways in which the framework can be used to systematically identify problems with classroom management, to generate meaningful suggestions for improvement of…

Describes an algorithm for planning college-level mathematics lessons based on the identification and achievement of student learning objectives. Discusses the ways in which this algorithm can help novice instructors to include opportunities for active learning in their lessons. (Contains 50 references.) (Author/ASK)

Analyzes interviews of graduate student instructors to describe beginning instructors' interpretations of and reactions to student behavior that instructors regarded as direct challenges to classroom authority. Suggests guidelines for course directors and faculty mentors to help beginning instructors learn from the difficult situations. (Contains…

Identifies and analyzes some recurrent problems with the implementation of cooperative and active learning strategies. Addresses the use of questions, management of instructor-centered activities, management of in-class group activities, and relinquishing forms of control in the classroom. (Author/ASK)