Workshop Precalculus: Developing Pedagogically Powerful Instructional Materials for an Integrated Course in Functions, Data Analysis and Modeling

在这个微积分预备课程项目中，主要研究人员正在与外部评估专家和来自两年制和四年制大学以及公立和私立高中的教员密切合作，设计教学上强有力的教学材料，旨在帮助学生牢固地理解函数概念以及函数与数据分析、建模和解决问题之间的相互作用。这些材料正在代表各种机构的模型采用者网站上进行测试，这些机构有公共的，有私人的，有小型的，有大型的，使用各种教学形式，从小组活动到互动讲座演示。目前正在开展一项全面的全国宣传方案，其中包括为学院和大学教员和高中教师举办夏季研讨会和讲习班，并辅以学年支助方案。微积分预备课程的教材适用于教育专业的学生（他们正在体验一种有效的教学模式，同时学习基本的数学概念和技能），以及高中、社区大学、四年制大学和大学生（他们正在为进一步学习社会科学、自然科学和数学建立坚实的数学基础）。这些材料的显著特点包括：(a)用学生观察、计算机或图形计算器工作和互动讨论（即实施“研讨会”方法）取代正式讲座；(b)服务不足人群的动机，特别是对学习数学有焦虑或对传统教学模式没有反应的学生的动机；(c)利用现实世界的问题——“跨学科生动应用项目”（ILAPs）——作为激发潜在数学思想的重要工具；(d)在整个材料中整合数据分析和概率概念；(e)创新使用科技，例如以微电脑和计算器为基础的实验室（MBL/CBL）工具和VideoPoint，以加强学生的学习；(f)密切关注数学和科学教育研究的成果以及评估活动的成果。

Mathematical Sciences (21)In this Workshop Precalculus project, the principal investigators are working closely with an outside evaluation expert and faculty associates from two and four-year institutions and public and private high schools, to design pedagogical powerful instructional materials that seek to help students develop a firm understanding of the function concept and the interplay between functions and data analysis, modeling, and problem solving. The materials are being tested at model adopter sites representing a variety of institutions, both public and private and small and large, using a variety of teaching formats, from small group activities to interactive lecture demonstrations. A comprehensive national dissemination program is being launched, which includes conducting summer seminars and workshops for college and university faculty and for high school teachers, augmented by a school year support program.The Workshop Precalculus materials are intended for use by education majors (who are experiencing an effective pedagogical model, while learning fundamental mathematical concepts and skills) and by high school, community college, four-year college, and university students (who are developing a firm mathematical foundation for further study in the social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.)Distinctive features of the materials include:(a) replacement of formal lectures with student observations, computer or graphing calculator work, and interactive discussions (i.e., implementation of the "workshop" approach);(b) motivation of underserved populations, especially students who have an anxiety about studying mathematics or do not respond to traditional modes of instruction;(c) use of real world problems - "Interdisciplinary Lively Application Projects" (ILAPs) - as an essential vehicle for motivating underlying mathematical ideas;(d) integration of data analysis and probabilistic concepts throughout the materials;(e) innovative use of technology, such as the Microcomputer-Based and Calculator-Based Laboratory (MBL/CBL) tools and VideoPoint, to enhance student learning; and(f) close attention to the outcomes of educational research in mathematics and science and to the outcomes of assessment activities.