This is a nice little start to numerical analysis. None of the underlying real variable theory is explored in the detail. Basically, an undergraduate exposure to calculus and linear algebra is all that is required. The basic topics are covered such as integration, numerical differentiation, and interpolation. There are numerous worked out examples and the text is sprinkled with snippets of Fortran code. However, all of the material covered here is contained in Press' "Numerical Recipes in C" .

This book is designed mainly for preservice teachers or inservice teachers who are wanting to change their current teaching practices. It is largely divided into three descriptions on PBL which also include activities, samples and directions on creating a Project-Based environment for students.

The first main concept in this book is describing what Project-Based Learning is, it's goals and understanding PBL from a student's and teacher's view point. A key characteristic of Project-Based learning is that the project does not focus on learning about something but focuses on doing something. By using technology, students and teachers both become actively involved and in control of their own learning, hence the term Informational Technology. The main concept behind PBL learning, is to get away from the didactic method of teaching ("a sage on the stage") and moving towards the constructivist method ("a guide on the side"). PBL also encourages collaboration between students and teachers and being part of a community. One of the theories mentioned with PBL is that teacher's will also tend to learn more from the method if used regularly in the classroom and even in staff development. Below is listed some reasons students and teachers may want to use the Project-Based Learning methods:

Students Teachers

Learner Centered Authentic Content & Purpose Collaboration Authentic Assessment Cooperative Learning Teacher Facilitated Continual Improvement Explicit educational goals Actively Engaged Uses Constructivism Challenging Teacher will also gain knowledge

The second concept focuses on why we should use the Project Based Learning. Moursund uses several different learning theories that underlie the basic idea of PBL. He gives a quick description of the educational research and different theories including: Constructivism, Motivation Theory, Inquiry-Based Theory, Cooperative Learning, Collaborative Problem Solving and Problem-Based Learning. Effective PBL helps students to develop and use their various intelligences, so Moursund also points out different ideas on Intelligences taken from Howard Gardner, Robert Sternberg, and David Perkins.

Finally, the last of the key topics within this book discuss the future of using PBL. The author clearly states that in order for PBL to be successful and useful in the classrooms, teachers will need to change their current teaching practices. A few of the changes he suggests are: taking advantages of any movements within an educational system, regardless of what level it may be, that focus on Technology. The more that technology tends to grow PBL learning will become more needed. Moursund also includes several activities within the book as well as explicit instruction on how to create a Project-Based Learning environment using technology. His suggestions and ideas are helpful to the novice teacher and to teachers trying to escape from the "Sage on the Stage" type of teaching.