An Uncommon Textbook: Review of <em>Common Sense Mathematics</em> by Ethan Bolker and Maura Mast

Abstract

Ethan D. Bolker and Maura B. Mast. 2016. Common Sense Mathematics.(Washington DC.: Mathematics Association of America) ISBN-13: 978-1-93951-210-9. Common Sense Mathematics is an integrative quantitative reasoning (QR) textbook that is built around scores of exercises derived from authentic circumstances from public media and other public sources. The exercises elicit responses from students requiring extensive communication and analyses and distinguish the book from ones typically encountered in a mathematics or science course. Responses to exercises often require one-half page or more of writing and can occupy considerable class time in discussion. The book has material for a one- or two-semester course. Use of the Internet for information is assumed, and the use of spreadsheet technology is incorporated but can be avoided for portions of the latter chapters.