Others have found it useful to ask questions such as the following:
                                1) What do my students know about polynomial functions ?
                                    What should they know ?
                                2) What do my students know about difference quotients ?
                                    What do they need to know ?
                                3) Do my students have the necessary background to benefit from the
                                    module ?
                                4) Do my students possess the algebra skills needed to complete this
                                    module ?   What are those skills ?
                                             a) Evaluate a polynomial using binomial values
                                             b) Simplify by removing common terms, factoring a
                                                 common  monomial, canceling by division
                                             c) Substitute numerical values into the resulting expression

        Model of the student
                               At Morehouse College:
               Most are African-American males (some are from Africa, some
        are from the Caribbean Islands) of traditional college age(18-22).
                Most are mathematics, science, business, engineering, or
        computer science majors.
                The students possess a wide variety of math backgrounds,
        ability levels, and motivational levels.
                Some are from private schools most are not.
                Most  have prior experience with calculators and/or computers,
        some do not.
                Some have taken calculus in high school, some have not.
                Some arrive at analysis 1 by placement test, some by transfer,
        some by completing the prerequisite course.