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Due to the large number of students requiring developmental college math courses, a study was conducted to determine if a beginning algebra course focusing on function and integrating technology as a tool to explore mathematics would aid students with previously debilitating experiences in math. The study evaluated 92 students enrolled in "pilot" sections of beginning algebra at 4 community colleges. Some students participated in interviews, and all completed written function surveys at the beginning and end of the course. Students' proficiency levels were measured for colloquial, symbolic, numeric, geometric, written, and notation facets for functions. Data analysis concluded that: the function concept is accessible to the developmental student; function machines are a reasonable entry point; students remained weak on the geometric facet; function notation was interpreted inconsistently; use of prototypes with the symbolic facet was common; constant functions caused confusion; requirement for exactly one output was applied inconsistently; it was very difficult to neutralize the effects of prior learning; and connecting facets proved difficult. Curriculum reforms should include more attention to the geometric facet and integration of facets, discussion of function as an object, a focus on best uses of each facet, and no graphing calculators. (YKH)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert