Designed to supplement conventional classes, computer packages have been developed for atomic and molecular orbitals, the Boltzmann distribution law, and quantum theory and spectroscopy. (MP)

A questionnaire survey was used to gauge the opinions of mathematics teachers about some history of mathematics materials recently developed for use in the classroom. Teachers' opinions of the materials were generally favorable, but a sizeable proportion responded that they would not use the material in their own teaching. (Author/MN)

This paper reports on the use of continuous assessment in a statistics course for social scientists, in which assignments are open-ended and use real data. It was found that those students who carry out the majority of the assignments score higher examination marks than do the rest. (Author/MN)

This study tested the existence of a positive relationship between interest and verbal problem solving when problems are set in the area of interest assessed among secondary school students. There was no evidence to indicate that prior knowledge of interests would help to predict with which type of problem a student would be most successful.…

The authors report on the stage of a project (tertiary education in applied mathematics, TEAM) aimed at investigating first-year students' expectations and preferences and lecturers' aims in relation to first-year undergraduate mathematics courses. (Author/MN)

A course of mathematical methods for students of different degree programs is outlined. An approach to the teaching of the course is described which allows continuity between sections of apparently different material. (MP)

The calculus of finite differences and finite sums is used to create a context in which the computer can be incorporated into calculus courses. Analyses of the experimental implementations are included. (MP)

The potentials of computer systems designed to help students in learning mathematics are explored, and some barriers to implementation are discussed. (MP)

A self-study program in mathematics for undergraduates is described. The units present topics not normally covered in traditional curricula. (MP)

The philosophy of the course and its component parts are described, the nature of the validation process indicated, and questions of staff and course development considered. (MP)

Mathematical models and their construction are discussed. Successful mathematical model building is suggested as requiring a combination of deductive thinking and an understanding of the external world. (MP)

The role of imagery in mathematical thinking and learning is discussed. The use of diagrams and charts is suggested as promoting imagery. (MP)

Presents some results of a study on teaching negative numbers. Focuses on the identification of addition and subtraction, the use of the number line, additive problem solving, and the possibility of following several sequences of numerical extensions. Indicates the importance of previous ideas on positive numbers and how these ideas influence the…

Inspiring exercises are used to guide students at all levels to rediscover the essential meaning of various individual pieces of mathematics. Presents five sets of examples including Abel's identity, Hensel's lemma, finitely generated Abelian groups, Baire's category theorem, and the Weierstrass preparation theorem. (Author/ASK)

Considers the attitudes and beliefs of college students in mathematics courses toward mathematics. Classifies students according to variables such as academic major, mathematical background, and gender. Discusses students' initial attitudes and changes in their attitudes identified over the course of one semester. Contains 16 references.…