Mathematics for Liberal Arts Information Page
Mathematical Explorations
This page contains links to information about the course MA0110 - Mathematical Explorations, as taught by Julian Fleron at Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Introduction
MA110 - Mathematical Explorations is a lower division mathematics course that satisfies part of the mathematics and natural sciences core requirement at Westfield State College, a 3500 student state liberal arts college in western Massachusetts. Several sections of the course are offered each semester, and although the course is always fully enrolled at the beginning of the semester, historically there is a high attrition rate. Historically there is a high failure rate as well. Part of this is obviously due to the clientele, a majority of students with weak mathematical backgrounds that are primarily enrolled because the course satisfies part of their core requirement.
The information that can be accessed below describes the efforts of Julian Fleron over the past several semesters in teaching this course. The approach, initially suggested by Dean Catherine Lilly, then department chair, relies heavily on the pedagogical flexibility of the text, Mathematics a Human Endeavor by Harold R. Jacobs. This approach has been extremely successful. It is my hope that by sharing this information others will be able to initiate alternative approaches in their liberal arts mathematics courses. It should be noted that although constructivist learning theory, cooperative learning and an emphasis on writing, reading and communication play central roles in my approach, the approach is quite flexible. Within the broad framework of mathematical exploration set by the text a variety of pedagogical approaches are feasible, and, I believe, would similarly lead to accessible, successful courses.
Any questions, comments or suggestions should be sent to J_Fleron@FOMA.WSC.Mass.Edu .
Results and Observations:
Paper: "A core mathematics class that appears to serve its purpose"
Summary: "A mathematics class that gets right to the core of it"
(from the talk of the same title in the special session "Innovative Teaching in First-Year College Mathematics Courses" at the 1995 Summer Meetings of the AMS and MAA.)
Course Syllabi:
Fall 1998 (Honors)
Spring 1998
Spring 1997
Fall 1995
Instructions for Format of Solutions
Spring 1998
Spring 1997
Fall 1995
Student Reflections:
Spring 1998
Spring 1997
Fall 1995
Spring 1995
Questionnaire Results:
Spring 1998 - preterm
Spring 1998 - endterm
Spring 1997 - preterm
Spring 1997 - endterm
Fall 1995 - preterm
Fall 1995 - endterm
Spring 1995 - endterm
j_fleron@foma.wsc.mass.edu
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