llment in calculus courses (four-year colleges). In two-year colleges, enrollment in remedial courses was 58 percent of the total mathematics enrollment in the fall of 1990 (34 percent in 1970). It is concluded that these figures in fact underestimate numbers of underprepared mathematics students that attend colleges and universities; diverse student populations such as in California and New York, further complicate the understanding of enrollment pattern trends.
Underprepared mathematic students are at a disadvantage when pursuing mathematically-dependent courses outside the field of mathematics such as studies in social, biological, behavioral and economic sciences, and those in business and managerial areas; analytical skills are not cultivated. These students are also not prepared for employment possibilities requiring the knowledge and use of computer technique. Additional educational problems include the influx of student diversity; language barriers may inhibit classroom instruction. Computer self pace instruction will help resolve these problems.
Mediated learning is a model which includes technologies that create flexible, interactive and adaptive computer-mediated instructional materials with standard media formats, including text, hypertext, graphics, animation, simulations, digital audio and digital video. The materials provide task-specific learning assistance and information on learner performance (Gifford, 1996).
Mediated learning is reported to promote self-efficacy. The system provides feedback in the lessons to help with acquisition of generative problem-recognition and problem-solving skills. The learner has accessible knowledge prior to instruction, is aware of progress in mastering related skills, and has the ability to control the learning pace. The learner is involved in levels of attention and engagement; a sense of competence is promoted with the unfolding instruction and feedback. Learner...