The First-Year Algebra Via Applications Development Project. Summary of Activities and Results. Final Technical Report / Zalman Usiskin.

The aim of this project was to develop a curriculum for first-year algebra students to provide a wide range of applications of mathematics. This type of application would permit students to understand how algebraic symbolism develops out of natural needs. A pilot draft of the materials was field-tested during the 1974-75 school year, revised, and field-tested in three schools the following year. A basic element of the curriculum which evolved from the testing and revision was the development of a skill workbook which employed principles of mastery learning. Nationwide field testing was accomplished during the 1976-77 school year. The final product is a course similar to a standard algebra course in much of the content, but with more emphasis on probability, statistics, and applications of word problems. Results of field-testing in 20 schools indicated little differences in measures of achievement between project and non-project classes. Teacher attitudes were divided, almost evenly, into two groups--those who felt the course to be appropriate for first-year students, and those who felt it was too difficult or non-traditional. (Author)

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