Introductory Algebra: A Just-In-Time Approach 2nd edition

This is the number-one selling reform book on the market. Kaseberg presents an effective, nontraditional approach to traditional algebra curriculum. The first edition has gained a strong following among instructors who find that Kaseberg's use of guided discovery and problem-solving facilitates learning new concepts and strengthens skill retention. In the second edition, Kaseberg's informal, interactive style makes algebra accessible to students while maintaining rigorous mathematical accuracy. In the considerably revised and re-designed second edition, Kaseberg has doubled the number of skill-building exercises and reorganized some topics into a more conventional sequence. To reduce preparation time for course leaders, and facilitate use by adjuncts, the "new" Instructor's Resource Manual accompanies the second edition. The manual provides a structured lesson and group-activity worksheet for each section in the textbook; incorporates materials from the textbook with supplemental projects and activities; suggests core homework assignments; and furnishes guided-discussion question to use in recitations. This resource serves to bridge the gap between traditional pedagogy and a reform approach.

Alice Kaseberg combines 30 years of secondary school and community college teaching experience with an avid mathematical curiosity, constantly seeking to answer the commonly asked question, "What is mathematics good for?" Her BA in Business Administration, MA in Mathematics, and MS in Engineering Science reflect her keen interest in academics and mathematics applications. She began her career as a teacher in Australia. Then, as a junior high teacher, she class-tested materials from the Mathematics Resource Project, Lane County Math Project, School Mathematics Project (of Great Britain), and Bob Wirtz's Drill and Practice at the Problem Solving Level. Her mentors were early advocates of the discovery approach, laboratory activities, and membership/involvement in professional organizations. Kaseberg has always reached out to mathematics students in a variety of situations. She was a high school teacher for the hearing impaired, where she taught contrasting classes such as Advanced Placement Calculus and remedial mathematics. Always eager to take on new projects, she organized weekly problem-solving activities for the entire department. As a community college teacher (15 years), she has taught a range of courses from Beginning Algebra through Calculus, as well as Strength of Materials and Statics in Engineering. While on sabbatical from teaching, she worked 15 months for the EQUALS Project, Berkeley, CA, writing Odds-on-You and coauthoring the EQUALS Handbook. In addition to her teaching at the school and community college level, she has developed and presented numerous workshops on mathematics applications, content strategies, problem solving, art and math, and teaching strategies. Group work and intense participation by attendees characterize her workshops and her classroom. Her goal in writing textbooks is to help students succeed in mathematics, learn how to learn, and become actively aware of the mathematics in their daily lives.