| Instructor: | Joyce Ahlgren |
|---|---|
| Office: | Jack Brown 330 |
| Telephone: | 909-537-5396 |
| Email: | jahlgren@csusb.edu |
| Office Hours: | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12:00-1:30 p.m. and 2:45-3:45 p.m. or by appointment. |
| Quarter: | Winter 2009 |
| Units: | 4 |
| Prerequisites: | The completion of Math 301A with a grade of "C" or better (not "C-"). |
"Math for Teachers, An Exploratory Approach" by Robert G. Stein with Laura Wallace, 2nd edition. We will be covering Chapters 8.4-11.
You will need notebook paper, graph paper, ruler (inches and centimeters), scissors, and colored pencils. Also, algebra tiles are optional but highly suggested.
We will be discussing decimals, percents, algebra in context, algebraic techniques, problem solving, linear functions and their graphs, rates and units, perimeter, area, volume, and similarity.
The goals of the course include developing conceptual understanding of the above-mentioned topics; using multiple representations, namely numbers, pictures, words, symbols, and graphs to make connections by interpreting information within each representation and by translating among the different representations; developing clear explanations both orally and in writing; and developing problem solving skills. These goals are consistent with the goals for students in grades K-12 as outlined in "Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools" adopted by the California State Board of Education, March 2005 and also with the recommendations for the preparation of teachers of mathematics by the Mathematical Association of America. Included in these recommendations is the following statement: A teacher of mathematics must "possess knowledge and have an understanding of mathematics that is considerably deeper than that required for the school mathematics they will teach." Please visit www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf and www.maa.org for more information.
Problems from each section will be assigned daily and collected on Mondays. To receive full credit homework must be legible and all steps must be shown. An answer to questions is not as important as your explanation of how to get the answer. When you are writing up your homework problems pretend that one of your future students will be reading it. Therefore, be precise! Please staple your pages if you have more than one page. Homework is due at the beginning of the class. Absolutely no late homework, for any reason, will be accepted (rather you have two coupons for late homework).
Math 301A with a greace of "C" or better.
There will be two exams tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 25th and Monday, February 22nd. The final exam is cumulative and will be given Wednesday, March 24th, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. Please note the beginning start time. No make-up exams will be given (unless you have a written verifiable excuse), and no calculators are allowed on the exams.
To pass this course, you must demonstrate competency in basic skills, achieve a score of 65% or better on the final exam, and have an overall average of 70% or better on homework, classwork, explorations, midterms, and the final exam. If you pass 85% of basic skills questions (approximately 25-35% of the final exam) and get an overall percentage of 65% or better on the final exam, then letter grades will be assigned according to your overall percentage as follows with +/- grades being assigned in the upper and lower ends or each range (with the exception of A+). See the grading scale below for grade assignments.
If you are in need of an accomodation for a disability in order to participate in this class, please contact Services to Students with Disabilities in UH-183 at (909) 537-5328.
Keep in mind, we will be covering alot of material. Try not to fall behind! Even though the homework is collected only once a week, try to do the problems as soon as possible after we cover the material in class. Do a little each day, and it won't seem as much as trying to complete the whole assignment the night before it is due. We can answer/present homework problems at the beginning or end of a class, but we may not have time in class to answer all questions. Therefore, come see me in my office for extra help if you need it. I am more than happy to help with any problems you may be having!
I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you!