We present a detailed description of a Cryptography and Computer Security course that has been offered at Knox College for the last 15 years. While the course is roughly divided into two sections, Cryptology and Computer Security, our emphasis here is on the Cryptology section. The course puts the cryptologic material into its historical context…

We studied ALEKS PPL placement scores, SAT scores, and entry-course grades for a population of 1659 students who placed into College Algebra or below over a span of 5 years. In addition to representing an understudied range of placement level, the study was conducted at an HBCU with majority Black/African American students, a demographic that is…

Using clickers in the statistics classroom can help students identify and understand common errors and misconceptions through a combination of surprise and discussion. Students are presented with multiple-choice questions that they discuss with each other and then vote on; a class-wide discussion follows. Questions for which many students vote for…

In introductory level math classes, writing prompts can be used as part of weekly homework assignments to encourage students to think more deeply about the subject at hand. These writing prompts present scenarios related to recently learned material in a new context and require students to submit a short written response online. Writing prompts…

This article describes the revision of a Business Calculus course at a medium-sized, northwestern university. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the need for a redesign of the Business Calculus course, conversations among math and business faculty about the course changes, the development of the new course, and the addition of a…

In this work, we studied the use of open education resources (OER) in the form of online modules combined with an open textbook as it relates to student performance and perceptions in a Linear Algebra course. In this approach, we compared student performance and perceptions from three sections of this intermediate level mathematics course. One was…

Our department has experienced a significant culture transformation in its approach to teaching. This change is primarily the result of sustained focus on reforming two heavily coordinated sequences, Applied Calculus and Calculus. Initially catalyzed by pilot projects introducing a flipped-class format to these courses, the reforms led to broader…

Students often view their role as that of a replicator, rather than a creator, of mathematical arguments. We aimed to engage our students more fully in the creation process, helping them to see themselves as legitimate proof creators. In this paper, we describe an instructional activity (i.e., the "group proof activity") that is…

The percentage of college students receiving unproductive grades in introductory mathematics courses is a concern for post-secondary institutions across the country. Many factors can be targeted as potential explanations for this lack of success, yet none of these issues are more noteworthy than the fact that many students enter college…

This paper reports on mathematics remediation efforts at a public 4-year institution. Specifically, it describes redesign efforts that led to the implementation of co-requisite mathematics remediation. Data on this program were collected and analyzed with respect to completion rates, length of time to earn college mathematics credit, and factors…

This article describes a framework of Standards-Based Grading suitable for use in a variety of mathematics courses. We detail our experience adapting this framework to various courses, ranging from Pre-calculus to Differential Equations, at four different institutions, including both small liberal arts colleges and large universities, and in class…

As educators, it is important for us to recognize that our assessment methods affect student attitudes. If we want students to learn from their mistakes and counteract a fixed-mindset of learning, perhaps we should look at what we incentivize in the classroom. Some professors are attempting to counteract math and test anxiety, poor STEM retention,…

In this paper, we compare and contrast our experiences in using standards-based grading in different courses and across two separate institutions to explore the related tradeoffs and subtleties in designing and implementing such grading systems, guided by innovation diffusion theory. We summarize our individual courses, use Linda Nilson's criteria…

Creating a cohesive team of coworkers can be challenging in any organization, and an academic department is no exception. The Centre College Mathematics Department has established a culture of collegial collaboration by investing in developing a strong mathematical community of faculty and students, and through careful attention to the hiring and…

After serving multiple terms as department chair at a small, liberal arts college, we have had the opportunity to develop some insights in a variety of circumstances. Through these experiences, we have formulated some advice for current and future unit leaders. We have included some general transition advice and a "top ten list" of…