Technical Mathematics Two-Year College Programs

Summary Technical and vocational mathematics courses are service courses which cover the mathematics, and appropriate applications, needed in technical and vocational programs. The development of the mathematics is non-rigorous. The applications show where and how mathematics is used, but do not require a knowledge of a specific technical subject by either the student or the instructor. A primary reason for the establishment of these courses is that traditional mathematics programs do not meet the needs of the technical programs in material development, timing of topic coverage and applications. Motivation of students, who are often not well prepared academically, is a major reason for the emphasis on applications. Technical mathematics courses should be coordinated with the technical courses of the program. The best way to accomplish this is through formal and informal meetings with technical faculty. The calculator is used in all technical mathematics courses and ia s great assist in teaching many topics. The computer is also used, although it is generally not integrated directly into the course as is the calculator. Many mathematics faculty persons prefer not to teach techinal mathematics because of the mathematical level. This problem has no easy solution, although special in-serve training could provide the background in applications that instructors would like to have. Technical and vocational mathematics courses will continue to grow due to the strong emphasis on the technology in industry.