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Seattle Central Community College Fall Quarter 2008
English 101 and Math 084 are
linked courses. Students will find numerous connections between assignments
in the two classes. Ultimately, this reinforces the idea that our learning is
interconnected and encourages critical thinking from each class participant.
Each student is responsible for preparing regularly for both classes. |
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Text
Required Blitzer, R. (2008), Introductory Algebra for
College Students, 5th Edition, Chapters 1-5 (can be acquired at the SCCC bookstore) (Sections 1.1-1.4, pp.1-53) You will be registered automatically as a student in this class. Please use
your ‘first name_ last name’ as your student name. Your pass code is your student number with no
dashes. Course Goals
Imagination
is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein The course goals are to: (1)
stimulate your imagination (2) enhance
your understanding of mathematics at a conceptual level (3) demonstrate and communicate your knowledge to others (4) develop
and improve your self-assessment skills (5)
encourage critical thinking (6) develop
effective study and group skills (7) apply
quantitative reasoning to real world contexts (8) master
the use of a scientific calculator Course Objectives
Listed here are the mathematical
skills you should be able to demonstrate upon completion of this course: 1.
Demonstrate understanding of basic arithmetic skills 2.
Simplify and solve algebraic equations by combining like terms (this
includes the appropriate use of the distributive, associative and commutative
properties) 3.
Create and solve linear equations and inequalities from patterns and
data tables 4.
Use numerous problem-solving techniques such as a sketch or diagram,
data pattern/chart, guess & check, and logic to find solutions to
problems requiring critical thinking 5.
Model data on the Cartesian coordinate system
(for example: line graphs, bar graphs, and histograms) using appropriate
scale and be able to explain why this is important 6.
Differentiate between the independent and dependent variables in
Cartesian graphs and assign these distinctions to the variables described in
the context of the problem 7.
Describe slope and rate of change, how these are related to graphs of
lines, and what they represent in the context of the problem 8.
Find the equation of any straight line using slope/intercept,
point/slope, and standard forms of a line 9.
Find the solution to systems of equations and be able to explain their
solution in the context of the problem Course Expectations
As a
student in this course, you are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive
on-time and be prepared for the daily lesson. Being prepared means that
homework assignments are complete, and you have all the necessary supplies
for full participation in the daily coursework, such as pencil, notebook
paper, graph paper, straight-edge or ruler, scientific calculator, and
composition book (journal). |
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Assessment
Tests and Quizzes Much of the learning in this class
is done through group work, therefore group
tests and quizzes are used to assess your understanding. This does NOT mean
that you will get a group grade. Test problems are complex and require an
explanation of your reasoning. The testing format provides an opportunity to
discuss your solution process with group members prior to writing solution
processes in your own words. A correct answer to a problem is sufficient for
a passing grade (which is a 75% or a 2.0); however, if you wish to earn a
higher grade, you must clearly communicate your thinking and demonstrate your
solution process. The group work is designed to hone your communication
skills (this is a course objective). The individual write-up is how you
provide evidence of your understanding for a formal assessment grade. This
process will be explained in more depth and your questions will be answered
prior to the first formal quiz or test. Journal Entries/Course Reflection
Papers The
development and improvement of your self-assessment skills is a course goal.
The Course Reflection Papers are designed for you to provide evidence of your
growth and achievement as compared with the course objectives. You will be
submitting portions of this project at the end of each chapter. Expectations and scoring. Submit Paper on
course Blog: http://fall2008math084.blogspot.com/ Small Group/Whole Class Activities Communication is an important
aspect of this class, therefore you are responsible for providing evidence
that you understand the material presented. One way to do this is to fully
participate in small group and whole class activities. The small group
formats provide support to: (1) ease math anxiety, (2) learn to work
collaboratively, (3) develop problem solving and critical thinking skills,
and (4) clearly communicate your solution process to convince others that
your answer is correct. Also, you will be expected to summarize and
communicate your group’s findings to the whole class. The small group you
will be working with to do class work will be the same people in your
quiz/test group; therefore it is important to contribute your thinking,
questions, and insights to the collective process. As a productive group member it is your
responsibility to listen carefully, provide positive feedback, ask clarifying
questions rather than depend upon assumptions, and share your thinking,
concerns, and critique of solution processes with one another. This will be
explained and modeled at the beginning of the quarter. Homework Completing
and handing in homework on time is essential as it prepares you to be a full
participant in the class activities. Daily Assignment (Do NOT hand in): -
Read through the assigned section -
Work through but do not hand in the Warm-up exercises and the section
examples -
Try some of the odd numbered problems at the end of the section. Make
sure to try out a couple from each of the different parts of the exercise
section. Do as many of these as are necessary to feel comfortable with the
procedures. Check your answers with those listed at the back of the book to
check your understanding. If you are struggling with these, ask questions in
class and get help at the tutoring center. Hand-in Reading Response Questions: When you think you understand the material in the section,
neatly and clearly answer each of the reading
response questions listed on the course calendar, providing evidence of
what you understand and can do. Include questions
from the on-line WAMAP homework that you need clarified. You receive 10 participation points for handing in the reading response questions. On-line assignment: When you feel confident that you understand the material
presented in the section and can perform the required skills then complete
the WAMAP assignment. I strongly recommend
that you do the assignment each night so that you are prepared for the daily
in-class assignment. Go to WAMAP: Online Homework
Access, log in using your ‘first name’ _ ‘last name’ as your student name and your pass code is your
student number (with NO dashes). Find the homework section you just
studied. Open and complete the problems for the section. You can print the
problems, work on them off-line (get help at the math lab, etc.), and then go
back to the computer to submit your answers. If you are NOT satisfied with
the grade you receive, you can ask for a new problem. Once an assignment is
submitted, the grade you receive is recorded. On-line assignments can be
completed ahead of time; however the final submission date is midnight before the quiz/test. After midnight,
the problems can be worked on for reviewing for the test, but the grades will
not be changed or recorded. Daily in-class process -
Put your reading response questions on the front table -
Pick up your file folder and put away graded worked -
Start working on the in-class problems listed on the board. The
problems are chosen to represent the important concepts covered in the
section. Start working on the problem
assigned to your group first. -
When your group agrees to the solution process, have one person from
the group put the solution steps on the board so that others in class can
follow your solution process. -
When your assigned problem is posted on the board, start working on
the other problems. As your group completes the other problems, jot down your
evaluation of the solutions posted on the board. This evaluation should
include two things done well and one area to improve. This
process should only take 15—20 minutes of class time. In-class problems are
posted on-line. It is a good idea to examine these problems before class. You
will want to record problem solutions as we discuss them in class (if absent
get notes from others in your group) as study guides for the quizzes and
tests. I will
(1) share college announcements, (2) discuss the reading response questions
handed in at the start of class, (3) take questions about procedures from the
book and from the on-line homework, (4) ask for an explanation and peer
evaluations of the work posted on the board, and (5) introduce the mathematics
concepts and procedures for that evening’s homework. Grading The proposed grade distribution is
40% for class participation, reading response questions and on-line homework;
and 60% for tests, mid-term/final project, and final exam. ·
Quizzes and
tests
are given weekly. Quiz problems are similar to the
in-class problems worked on that week; while tests are cumulative, meaning
that the test questions can be taken from any of the problems worked
on in class. Quizzes are worth 50 pts, Tests are 100 pts. Since quizzes and
tests are designed for working in groups, it is important that you make every
effort to attend, arrive on-time, and be prepared. There are NO MAKE-UP tests
or quizzes. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped and the lowest test grade
can be replaced with the grade received on the final exam. ·
Journal Entries/Course Reflection
Papers: 100pts
(20pts for each to the 5 chapters) Self-Assess. http://fall2008math084.blogspot.com/
·
Final Exam: 100 pts, collection of problems
similar to tests and quizzes covering the entire quarter. The final exam is a
required test, however it will replace the lowest test grade received that
quarter. ·
Participation: You will receive 10 points for
each day that you attend class. Points are deducted if you arrive late or
leave early, are not able to attend a session, and for disruptive and
disrespectful behavior. The 10 attendance participation points cannot
be made-up even for excused absences.
Also, an additional 10 participation points are earned if you hand in
a reading response sheet for the section covered that day. If you are
absent and want to receive the 10 points for the reading response sheet, then
that must be submitted (email is fine) before the class session or upon your
return to class. All reading response questions must be answered to earn full
points. Do not copy “stuff’ from the book; rather put it into your own words. ·
On-line Homework (WAMAP) is worth 10 points. The points given on-line are re-adjusted to
a ten point scale. If you feel that the grade
distribution does not adequately reflect your understanding of the
mathematics in this course, then I encourage you to make an appointment to
discuss it with me during office hours. This must be done sometime before the last month of the quarter.
“NC” (No Credit) grades are NOT given under any
circumstances. If you want to withdraw from the course, request a “W” grade
before the published deadline. “I” (Incomplete) grades are only given in
strict conformity with the college catalog. Specifically, a student must be
in “good standing” to request an Incomplete.
For this course, “good standing” will mean, at a minimum, a current
grade of at least 2.0. “I” grades can only be requested in situations and
circumstances that are out of the control of the student. Please read the
catalog for details. I reserve all rights about when and if an “Incomplete”
will be issued. It is your responsibility to request and submit the
signatures and paperwork required for “W” and “I” grades by the deadlines
established by the college. Assistance
Late and Make-up Work If you are unable to attend class
contact me as soon as possible to explain the situation and discuss options.
It is also important to notify your group members, as they will have to
function without your input (you can also ask them to take notes during the
classes that you cannot attend.) Tutorial Assistance I am available to help clarify or
provide tutorial assistance. However, (since I have approximately 100
students each quarter) please discuss the problem with your group members
first. Make an appointment to speak with me if your group members are unable
to help you. I am also available to work with the whole group. If you need tutoring assistance on
a fairly regular basis, the math lab is in SAM106. Individual Needs For help with dealing with math or test anxiety, please make an appointment to talk with me. We can
discuss your particular issues and devise a plan to help you be successful. Math and Test Anxiety Information Sheet. Students with Disabilities Statement
Students with documented
disabilities, who need course accommodations, have emergency medical
information or require special arrangements for building evacuation should
contact the instructor within the first week of class. The instructor reserves the right to reasonably adjust
this syllabus if deemed necessary and will make available written changes for
students to add to this document. |
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Course Calendar
The Course
Calendar is not fixed, but rather is a working document which may
change as we progress through the material. I will inform you of any changes
to the calendar as they arise. The homework site is at WAMAP: Online Homework
Access Full credit for WAMAP homework is only given when responses are received before the day of the test. Reading Response Questions are listed on the day they are due. Write out the question and your response; provide evidence of your understanding.
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