This project is developing materials that enhance the Harvard approach curriculum and that of other reform projects for precalculus and calculus with techniques borrowed from Sher and Wilkinson's adaptation of Treisman's approach. The approach takes advantage of, but does not require, computer workstations designed for group interaction with interactive animated demonstrations of ideas in mathematics and computer science. These group stations, funded under the Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program, are specifically designated for use by groups of three students. Groups work as a team to solve problems posed by the instructor. The group stations are also available after class for project preparation. The materials being developed illustrates precalculus and calculus concepts. The project is evaluating this approach by measuring retention rates, periodically surveying the students to measure changes in attitudes, and measuring the effect of laboratory courses on student grades. A variety of conference presentations and journal publications describe the results from our project. A laboratory manual and other materials are being produced for commercial publication as well as via the World Wide Web. The project principals are conducting a week-long course for community college and high school teachers to disseminate these ideas. Queensborough and Borough of Manhattan Community Colleges are serving as beta test sites.
