Applied Mathematics: Targets for Learning. Strategies for Preparing Successful Problem Solvers in the Workplace.

This curriculum guide provides resources that teachers and trainers can use to help learners improve their ability to apply mathematical problem-solving skills in the workplace. The instructional strategies and practice problems in the guide are patterned after those of the American College Testing (ACT) Work Keys System. Gains in skill levels can be measured by Work Keys assessments and by the assessment provided in this guide. The guide discusses the following information that will help instructors offer learners effective learning experiences: Work Keys; applied mathematics; proficiency outcomes; problem solving; instructional strategies; using practice problems; pretesting and posttesting; and resources for developing additional learning activities and practice problems. The instructional strategies and practice problems are divided by Work Keys level for improving through Levels 3-7. Five appendixes contain the following: (1) a list of 8 references; (2) lists of applied mathematics resources, such as 14 textbooks, 35 sources, 15 instructional computer software and laser disks, 9 suppliers of mathematics and science resources and materials, and 26 Internet sites; (3) 17 problem-based learning activities; (4) Ohio Mathematics Proficiency Outcomes; and (5) applied mathematics tests and answers. (KC)