Margaret, I would be interested in the results of your survey--especially
if anyone has found any really good developmental mathematics software.
My experience in teaching developmental mathematics has taken me beyond the
traditional approaches. So far, the software I have seen has been drill
and practice aiming at the tradition of teaching formula manipulation and
skill in performing mathematical processes.
Although tutoring, software, and number of hours spent in a class per week
are important issues, effective change in developmental mathematics goes
far beyond the questions posed.
To move towards a conceptual understanding of mathematics and problem
solving, I have, out of desperation written my own materials. In teaching
developmental mathematics we need to work with hands-on materials that
emphasize conceptual understanding over rote manipulation skills. Students
need to collect and analyze data and write reports--not just work 2-line
word problems that are at best a hint that an application exists. (Don't
get me wrong--I am not opposed to mathematical puzzles--however, call them
puzzles not applications. Do not do puzzles in lieu of real applications.)
>1. Where do you teach? Maple Woods Community College, Kansas City, Missouri
>
>2. What is the name of your course? I teach all levels of math that we
>teach--Basic Mathematics through Differential Equations.
>
>3. How many class hours are required per week? The developmental classes
>are all 3 semester hour classes.
>
>4. Are tutors provided for the students? Yes, we have a learning center
>where students can get tutoring help.
>
>5. Have you found a computer program that you feel is successful in teaching
>the remedial math? No, I haven't. I have seen programs that emphasize
>skills. The next level, conceptual understanding, seems to be missing.
Martha
Martha Haehl
Mathematics Instructor
2601 N. E. Barry Rd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64156
e-mail haehl@kcmetro.cc.mo.us phone (816)437-3147