A computer algebra system was integrated into instruction for two large classes of mathematics for business and the social sciences. Comparisons of student achievement and attitude showed no significant differences, but other implications of the study are discussed. (23 references) (LZ)

Undergraduates in an abstract algebra course were interviewed to see how they learned the concept of isomorphism. Analysis showed students used step-by-step procedures, exhibited various degrees of personification in their language, and chose properties they perceived as simpler. (MKR)

Describes a study examining the effect of hand-held calculators on student achievement in college developmental mathematics classes. Finds no significant differences between control and treatment groups, indicating that students who used calculators scored slightly lower on posttests but achieved higher final course grades as a group than control…

Provides details of a study on mathematics learning that applies Bruner's concept of format of interaction which is employed in language acquisition theory and in understanding mathematical augmentation. Describes the interactions among tutors, students, and their linear algebra text. (DDR)

The effects on college students' (n=110) attitudes of using a microcomputer as a demonstration aid was investigated in an intermediate algebra class. Results suggest a significant treatment effect on students' attitude favoring the microcomputer treatment group. (16 references) (MDH)

Discussed are student mathematical background, computing skills, and case studies/field studies as they relate to business studies. A list of basic skills for tertiary business studies is provided including sigma notation, basic algebra, change, and solving equations. (CW)

This document provides a preliminary report of the study Gateways To Advance Mathematical Thinking (GAMT) run by Educational Development Center, Inc. (EDC). The study was designed to see what types of reasoning students who have recently completed a linear algebra course apply to problems in algebraic thinking. Student interviews were used as the…

Surveys of 295 undergraduate students in college algebra and precalculus about their perceptions of mathematics found that agreement with some mathematical myths can be reduced with more mathematical preparation of students. Suggests strategies to overcome these myths. (13 references) (MKR)

Described are ways that specific concepts from abstract algebra can be programed using the software package features of the Ada Programming Language, which is the primary language of the Department of Defense. Included are typical programs with their respective outputs. (JJK)

This study gathered information about the impact of mathematics courses designed for paraeducators enrolled in an Urban Preservice Degree Articulation in Teacher Education (UPDATE) program. The goal was for paraeducators to complete mathematics courses with a passing grade, to experience mathematics content using constructivist instructional…

This article on mathematics in the curriculum describes how students learn the characteristics of conic section equations by entering them into graphing calculators to make happy faces in a high school or college algebra class. A sample worksheet page is included. (Author/LRW)

Analysis of in-class written responses about mathematical concepts and procedures for solving problems of 25 college students enrolled in an intermediate algebra class suggested that writing assignments helped remedial students to think mathematically. An appendix contains samples of writing assignments. (Author/MKR)

Investigates the influences of the basic mathematics course on success in the elementary statistics course. Reports that a working knowledge of algebra and set theory may be a necessary condition for success in elementary statistics but may not be sufficient. Contains 20 references. (Author/ASK)

Students can learn to make algebra, trigonometry, and geometry work for them by using matrices to rotate figures on the graphics screen of a graphing calculator. Includes a software program, TRNSFORM, for the TI-81 graphing calculator which can draw and rotate a triangle. (MKR)

Testing of junior and senior business students on algebra, calculus, and statistics problems revealed they retained little of what was covered in basic quantitative courses. Emphasis on student evaluation of teachers may create incentives for instructors to avoid challenging students in these courses. (SK)