Currently, many community colleges are struggling with poor student success rates in developmental math. Therefore, this qualitative study focused on employing best practices in developmental mathematics at an urban community college in Dayton, Ohio. Guiding the study were the following research questions: What are the best practices utilized by a…

Argues against the diminishing emphasis on mathematics as a logic system. Examines some of the basic tenets of logic and argues that when mathematics students are shown how to use logic and reasoning rather than memorization, they are able to develop stronger critical thinking skills. (AUTH/NB)

Argues that online instructors have a great impact on the quality of a student's online experience. Demonstrates through the author's personal experience as an online instructor that written communication skills are essential in an online classroom. (Contains seven references.) (NB)

Presents results of study conducted with community college intermediate algebra students. Reports that students taught with Reform-Computer Assisted Instruction (R-CAI) significantly outperformed on the conceptual measure than students taught with Lecture-based Instruction (LBI). Adds that students in the R-CAI environment experienced significant…

Reports on study of 20 classes of developmental studies mathematics at Middle Tennessee State University. The experimental group received mid-term grade reports, while the control group did not. The study found no significant difference between experimental group and control group between midterm and final grade report averages. Posttest scores…

Evaluates the effectiveness of calculator usage in the learning of basic skills by developmental mathematics students with respect to increasing mathematical performance, as measured by a "no calculator permitted" content specific test. Results show calculator usage neither positively nor negatively affected the attainment of basic skills.…

Contends that institutional resources for the improvement of teaching and learning are often lacking at community colleges; thus, the idea that they are teaching institutions--as opposed to research institutions--is flawed. Asserts that the increase in the number of part-time faculty results in departments with a smaller core of full-time faculty…

Reports on the first phase of a two-year pilot study of a university-level mathematics requirement that accommodates the needs of developmental students. Finds that the 84% pass rate for this new class format is substantially higher than the 43% pass rate for traditional developmental mathematics courses offered during the same semester. (Contains…

Compares outcomes in developmental mathematics classes that used lectures with classes that utilized computer-mediated instruction. Finds that the results showed no significant differences on common exams. States that course satisfaction levels, however, were higher in computer-mediated classes, partly because students wanted greater control over…

States that cooperative learning in developmental mathematics classes has greater success rates than do traditional remedial courses. Discusses learning communities--in which instructors work with other instructors to help students connect mathematics with other disciplines, and in which there is an increased level of peer interaction--as an…

Presents the results of a two-part survey on developmental education in four-year colleges and universities. Describes the requirements, staffing, and enrollment in the programs, and assesses the extent to which a subsample of developmental mathematics instructors follow the standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.…

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Describes the implementation of a comprehensive developmental-mathematics program at Onondaga Community College (New York) that provides students with assistance, from the evaluation of their entry-level skills through their transition to credit-level courses. Discusses key elements of the program, such as placement testing, diagnostic services,…

Identifies requisite math skills for a microeconomics course, offering samples of supply curves, demand curves, equilibrium prices, elasticity, and complex graph problems. Recommends developmental mathematics competencies, including problem solving, reasoning, connections, communication, number and operation sense, algebra, relationships,…

Reports on a study which investigated the relationship between four groups of affective variables (i.e., achievement motivation variables, anxiety, attributions for success and failure, and beliefs about intelligence, learning goals, memorization, and the nature of mathematics) and students' exam scores in a college developmental mathematics…