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Blitzer, R. (2006), Introductory
Algebra for College Students, 4th Edition, Chapters 6-10
WAMAP: Online Homework
Access
You will be registered automatically
as a student in this class.
Please use your ‘first name_last name’ as your student name
and your pass code is your
student number (with NO dashes).
Imagination
is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein
The course goals provide a
foundation to develop intellectual imagination. Success
depends on your ability to respond to the challenges presented by new
problems and new ideas. 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) improve your use of
self-assessment methods
(5) think critically
(6) develop effective study and
group skills
(7) apply quantitative reasoning
to real world contexts
(8) master the
use of a scientific calculator as a tool for quantitative analysis
Course Objectives
The course objectives are the mathematical skills you
should be able to demonstrate upon completion of this course:
1. Understand basic rules of exponents and how to work with
negative exponents
2. Ability to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials
(introduction to division of polynomials)
3. Recognize and use a variety of factoring methods to solve
and simplify polynomial polynomials
4. Understand square root and know how to simplify radicals
5. Apply quadratic formula to solve problems
6. Understand how quadratic equations are related to
parabolas
7. Know how to graph a parabola accurately given its
equation
8. Know how to simplify simple rational expressions
9. Solve application problems and explain the mathematics in the
context of the problem
10. Connect math with real world
context
As a student in this
course, you are expected to attend all class sessions, arrive to class
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, and scientific calculator.
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 77% or a 2.2); however, if you
wish to earn a higher grade, you must clearly communicate 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 grade.
Partnership/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 format provides 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. It is
important to contribute your thinking, questions, and insights to the
collective process.
Homework
Completing and submitting homework on time is essential
as it prepares you to be a full participant in the class activities. For
each assigned section, you should:
Study the assigned chapter section
- take notes
- work through
the sample problems
- work through some of the
problems at the end of the section
- check your work with the answers
at the back of the book or in your solution manual
- take notes
during class
- attempt the
in-class problems ahead of time
Reading Response: Respond to the questions about
the readings that are listed on the Course Calendar - write up your responses to the
questions in the Course Calendar for that section. Hand-in your reading
responses on the day it is listed on the Course Calendar. The reading
responses are worth 10 participation points and can only be made up by
handing it in on the day of your return to class after an absence.
When you feel confident that you understand the material
presented in the section and can perform the required skills then complete
the on-line assignment. I strongly recommend that you do the assignment
each night so that you are prepared for the daily in-class work.
On-line assignment: Go to WAMAP: log in
using your ‘first name_last name’
as your student name and your pass code is your student number (with NO
dashes). (If you have used WAMAP before,
you may be registered using your former user name and pass code.) You can
print the problems for an assignment and then work on them off-line (get
help at the math lab, etc.). 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.
Daily in-class
process
When you arrive in class, hand in your reading response sheet, pick up your
file folder, and start working on the problems listed on the board.
The problems are chosen to
represent the important concepts covered in the section. Share the work you did on your group’s
problem first. When your group agrees on the solution process, have one
person from the group put the solution steps on the board. Then discuss the
other problems. As your group completes the other problems, either register
your agreement with other groups’ solutions, or put up your own solutions. This
process should only take 15—20 minutes of class time.
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 section, (4) discuss the in-class problem
solutions posted on the board, and (5) introduce the mathematics concepts
and procedures for that evening’s homework.
Grading
The proposed grade distribution is 40% class
participation & homework, 60% quizzes and tests.
- Quizzes
and tests are given each week. Quiz and test problems are similar to
the in-class 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 given
after the answers have been discussed in class. The lowest test grade
can be replaced with the grade received on the final exam.
- Final
Exam is 100 pts and is a collection of problems, similar to the ones
presented in the daily class work, that cover the material for the
entire quarter. The final exam grade will replace the lowest test
grade.
- 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. Also, up to
an additional 10 participation points can be earned if you hand in a reading
response sheet for the section covered that day before group time
is over (within the first 15 minutes of class.) 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
immediately upon your return to class.
- On-line homework is worth
10 homework points. Section problems are available on-line up until
the day of the quiz/test (midnight before the quiz/test). Please check
the Course Calendar for quiz/test dates.
100 > 94% = 4.0 > 3.9 = A
93 > 90% = 3.8 > 3.5 = A-
89 > 87% = 3.4 > 3.2 = B+
86 > 84% = 3.1 > 2.9 = B
83 > 80% = 2.8 > 2.5 = B-
79 > 77% = 2.4 > 2.2 = C+
76 > 74% = 2.1 > 1.9 = C
73 > 70% = 1.8 > 1.5 = C-
69 > 67% = 1.4 > 1.2 = D+
66 > 64% = 1.1 > 0.9 = D
63 > 60% = 0.8 > 0.7 = D-
60% > = 0.7
> = E
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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.
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 phobia
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.
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.
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
(You will be registered
automatically as a student in this class.
Please use your ‘first name_ last name’ as
your student name
and your pass code is your
student number (with NO dashes).
Full credit for online homework
is only given
when responses are received before midnight, before the test/quiz.
Reading
Response Questions are listed on the day they are due.
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