Cooperative student work often fails to generate individual understanding of abstract algebra materials. Suggests techniques that enable abstract algebra students to master proofs and enhance cooperative work. (Author/ASK)

Describes an interdisciplinary quantitative reasoning course that uses algebra to answer questions from science. Describes the development, philosophy, and structure of the course and demonstrates two of the projects developed for this course. Presents student reactions and attitudes towards the course. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses the evolution of a method for engaging students in the study of abstract algebra and enhancing their depth of understanding. Emphasizes the impact of oral activities on student learning. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/ASK)

Examines the various issues surrounding the implementation of journal writing in an undergraduate linear algebra course. Identifies the benefits of incorporating journal writing into an undergraduate mathematics course, which are supported with students' comments from their journals and their reflections on the process. Contains 14 references.…

Correlations of a test of algebra skills, SAT mathematics scores, and final mathematics grades indicated that most college freshmen would be better placed in mathematics courses by using the test of algebra skills and SAT scores than by using SAT scores alone. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents the findings of a study on the learning experiences of undergraduates enrolled in a writing-intensive algebra course. The study revealed that writing activities are successful in terms of facilitating student comprehension of mathematical content. The use of words allows student writers to gain ownership of the algebraic content. (DDR)

Explains the cooperative learning technique of jigsaw. Details the use of a jigsaw lesson for explaining complex numbers to intermediate algebra students. Includes copies of the handouts given to the expert groups. (Author/ASK)

Illustrates the qualitative nature of the differences between reform courses and traditional courses based on the types of student questions and comments generated in reform classes ranging from college algebra to multivariable calculus. (AIM)

Describes an experimental study in which two sections of calculus were taught using the same materials, except one section was enhanced with the computer algebra system Mathematica. Results indicated that the students in the technology group had advantages to understanding certain key topics in calculus such as limits, derivatives, and curve…

Describes a simple cooling experiment that can be conducted in class at the college algebra, precalculus, calculus, or differential equations level whose aim is to determine the best exponential function to fit the experimental data. (Author/ASK)

Hypermedia provides an easy-to-use option for adding visualization, via the computer, to the classroom. Some examples of this medium are presented, including applications in basic linear algebra and calculus, and a tutorial in electromagnetism. (Author)

Describes an experimental course in which the programming language ISETL served as a tool for exploring concepts in abstract algebra, and identifies instructional strategies that facilitate the successful use of ISETL. Offers informal observations regarding the effectiveness of this approach. (13 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes the duties and attitudes of graduate teaching assistants who participated in a mentoring program, as well as the assessment of this program, which was instituted as a supervisory alternative to the lecture/recitation program through which graduate teaching assistants have traditionally accumulated the accreditation requirement to teach…

Demonstrates examples, one of which is an extension of "guess and check," to include variables rather than numbers. The quadratic equation az2+bz+c=0, is solved by assuming a complex solution of the form z=x+iy. Explores the use of deMoivre's theorem in deriving trigonometric identities with other examples. (Author/ASK)

Presents findings from a study of students enrolled in college algebra. Concludes that the predicted success of students is related to explanatory variables using a linear model. Recommends advising cut-off scores in terms of student success rated as well as the mission statement and philosophy of the university. Contains 12 references.…