In fall 1996, California's Saddleback Community College began enforcing a prerequisite mathematics course for the college's Algebra (Math 8), Statistics (Math 10), and Trigonometry (Math 124) series. The 11 memoranda collected in this report present results from a study of the effects of enforcing the prerequisite on successful completion of the…

College algebra is currently being taught using graphing calculators such as the TI-81. This document presents exploratory and problem solving activities that have resulted from classroom experiences with the TI-81. The activities have been designed to enhance the learning of some standard college algebra topics through the easy access to…

Describes the implementation of graphing calculators as teaching and learning aids in an intermediate linear algebra unit at the undergraduate level. Outlines the approach taken and discusses the problems that arose in relation to calculator use. (ASK)

As part of an effort to improve community college algebra students' ability to solve word problems, a study was undertaken at Florida's Manatee Community College to determine the effects of using heuristic instruction (i.e., providing general rules for solving different types of math problems) in combination with the TI-92 calculator. The TI-92…

Describes a study performed to assess the impact of homework collection in college intermediate algebra courses. Two groups of students (n=108) were evaluated: one group did not turn in homework assignments and one did. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the number of A's earned, with the latter group performing…

Presents examples of using the computer to enhance teaching function evaluation using BASIC, Riemann sums using MAPLE computer algebra systems, and linear programing using MATLAB. (YP)

Described is an approach to computational matrix algebra that takes advantage of a high quality, low cost microcomputer software package. The examples and applications discussed focus on matrix multiplication. (Author/CW)

At the University of Southwestern Louisiana, an innovative course in college mathematics, Math 107, was designed to place mathematics into the context of everyday life and to use concepts from several disciplines within mathematics including algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis. Inherent within the teaching of Math 107 was…

A study was undertaken at Central Arizona College to determine the effect of writing activities on student performance in College Algebra. An experimental group of eight students was established and given lists of math-related vocabulary words and problems which required written explanations. Quizzes were constructed requiring the group to respond…

Presents two mathematical methods for fitting the logistic curve to population data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau utilizing computer algebra software to carry out the computations and plot graphs. (JKK)

Outlines efforts to create mathematics-related activities for freshman/sophomore level college algebra and statistics classes at Shippensburg (Pennsylvania) University. Shares some of the ways in which these activities were created and adapted. (ASK)

Investigated the effect of mathematics instruction with the aid of microcomputer illustrations on the achievement of college students enrolled in an intermediate algebra course. There was a treatment effect on the comprehensive final examination. (YP)

Described is an activity that incorporates a computer, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to answer questions about the planet Mars. A possible crescent of Mars is compared to those of Venus and Mercury. (KR)

A study compared the performance of two groups of university students. One group (n=40) was taught calculus using a computer algebra system whereas the other (n=41) used paper-and-pencil computations. The computer group scored significantly higher than their counterparts on both a conceptual knowledge test and a calculus computational exam. (JJK)

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)