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SYLLABUS: MA 201 MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING FOR
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
COURSE NUMBER: MA 201-02
( 47807 )
ROOM: S-109
CLASS TIME: MW 4:00-5:15
SEMESTER: Fall 2008
INSTRUCTOR: Jeannette Ward
OFFICE: S-109
OFFICE HOURS:
MWF 9:00 – 1 0 :00
MW 1:00-2:00
3:15-4:00
In S 109 5:15-5:30
T 9:00 -1 2:00
PHONE Mrs. Ward Office 686-4598
Home 926-1670
Jeannette.Ward@KCTCS
TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLIES:
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 7 th . Edition By Albert
Bennett Jr. and L. Ted Nelson, TI-83 or TI- 84 Graphing Calculator
Manipulative Kit to accompany text book, general supplies such as
markers or colored pencils, scissors, construction paper and 1cm.
graph paper.
Prerequisite: College Algebra
Description of Course: This course is designed to develop mathematical problem
solving skills. Students will solve problems from such
areas as algebra, probability, number theory and logic.
Students will be able to describe and write out a step by
Solution to any given problem.
Course Outline : This problem solving course will be organized around a list of
problem solving strategies including: guess and check, looking
for patterns, acting out, drawing a picture, working backwards,
using logical reasoning, and brainstorming.
Course Objective: The purpose of this course along with MA 202 is to give
students a strong foundation in basic math concepts
and to give students a variety of problem solving approaches.
Course Requirements: Students will be expected to demonstrate a strong work
ethic as defined by the OCTC Standards of Professional
Conduct. This st andard is found on the OCTC Web Site
Students will be expected to attend all classes , be on
time, work the assigned homework, take all quizzes and test
assigned date, and turn in projects and homework in a
timely manner. In addition class participation and a positive
attitude toward mathematics is extremely important.
Attendance will be kept and students with more than 5
will not be allowed to withdraw from this class.
Course Outline: We will cover the materials in Chapters 7-11 and if time
permits we will introduce other selected topics.
Course Evaluation: Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. It is expected that
each student does his or her homework before the
next class period. Students will be ask to turn in
selected problems, which will carry an announced total point value. ( usually between 5 – 10 points).
Late homework will have points deducted for tardiness. If you miss class it is your responsibility
to turn in your work in a timely manner.
Students will not be able to make up a daily
grade such as quizzes or homework.
Quizzes will be given through out the semester. These will
range in value from 5pt. mini quizzes to 20pt. major quizzes.
All major quizzes will be an nounced at least 1 class period advance. Quizzes may not be made up. Students have the option of dropping the equivalent of a 20pt. quiz at the end of the semester. At least one
q uiz grade will be a written project. This project will
include the requirement levels of expectations from
the list found on the OCTC Web Site. These expectations will come from the Expression of Ideas
through Mathematical Representation and through
Performance and Production components. These
Expectations will be more completely outlined when
these projects are assigned.
Test During the semester we will have a minimum of 3- 50pt. test. These test must be made up within six(6) days of the assigned test date.
Failure to make up these test in the required time frame will result in a zero for that test.
No partial credit will be given on make-up test .
A comprehensive final consisting of
100pts. will be given during finals week.
Extra Credit From time to time during the semester extra-
credit problems will be offered. These problems
are meant to be challenging. These problems will
range in points from 2 pts. to 5pts. These extra
credit problems will add to your total points but
not to the total possible points.
Test, quizzes, homework, group work, and extra
credit are all opportunities for points given on a
daily basis. You may n ot go back and obtain the
the points . Test are the only o pportunity that may
be made up.
Grading Scale Grades will be determined according to the following
scale:
100%-90% = A 70%-60% = D
90%-80% = B Below 60% = E
80%-70% = C
Attendance Policy: Because of the nature of mathematics it is strongly advised that
you do not miss any classes. I realize that this is the ultimate
goal and that from time to time students must miss. I will
take attendance daily. Please contact me before the next class so
that you do not get behind. I will provide a monthly schedule so that you will know sections we will be covering each class
period. You will be expected to read the section before the
class each session.
Withdrawal Policy: If you have no more than five(5) ab sences in this class you will
be allowed to withdraw up until the last regular class period of
the semester.
Student Code of Conduct: Students are expected to follow the acceptable behavior
p olicies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook (Pages 23-26) both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. This had book can be found on
the OCTC Web site. Please make special note of the zero
tolerance policy for any threatening or terroristic threatening behavior.
Final Exam Schedule: Monday 2:00 p.m.
A Special Note:
v Due to the increase use of cell phones I am asking that if you must have your cell phone on please put it on vibrate. Do not let the phone ring in class. It is
disturbing to others.
v I am here for you. Please do not hesitate to come and
see me if you do not understand something or you
must miss class.
If my office schedule does not meet with your schedule please consult with me and w e will work out a mutually agreeable time.
General Education Competencies
MT 145 Contemporary College Mathematics
Mathematics:
To organize, analyze, and make information useful by employing mathematics.
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
? Use and interpret data.
? Solve real world problems related to chosen topics
? Make intelligent choices based on mathematical reasoning
? Make connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
? Appreciate the usefulness of mathematics.
Writing: To communicate effectively using standard written English.
Reading : To understand, analyze, summarize, and interpret a variety of reading
materials.
Integrated Learning: To think critically and make connections in learning across
the disciplines.
Creative Thinking: To elaborate upon knowledge to create thoughts, process,
And/or products that are new to the students.
Ethics/Values: To demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations in making
value choices.
The student will be expected to demonstrate traditional work ethics of
responsibility, attendance, class participation, and cooperation.
Assessment methods may include determining timeliness in completing
assignments, attendance, level of class participation, and level of
cooperation.
General Education Competencies: Fall 2007
I. Communicate Effectively
1. Read and listen with comprehension.
2. Speak and write clearly using standard English.
3. Interact cooperatively with others using both verbal and non-verbal means.
4. Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills (or calculator skills).
Method of Assessment: Written explanation of mathematical problems will be required of each student on either exams and/or homework.
II. Think Critically
1. Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions.
2. Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing, and/or integrating a
variety of materials.
3. Use mathematics to organize, analyze, and synthesize data to solve a problem.
Method of Assessment: Exams and/or homework will consist of a significant number of application problems and/or projects.
III. Learn Independently
1. Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate, and use information.
2. Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas.
3. Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations.
4. Think creatively to develop new ideas, processes, or products.
Method of Assessment: Exams and/or homework will consist of some application problems, and the student will be expected to demonstrate traditional work ethics of responsibility, attendance, class participation, and cooperation.
IV. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments
1. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to the biological and physical environment.
2. Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural global community.
Method of Assessment: Students will be expected to demonstrate respect to the instructor and other students in the class, open-mindedness towards different approaches to problem solving, and willingness to learn from each other.
A Very Special Note to My Students!
v For each of you this syllabus represents a contract
with me as your instructor. A contract has responsibilities placed upon both parties. As your instructor it is my responsibility to provide you will good instruction and responsible timely evaluation of your work. As you the student it is your responsibility to follow through on all of the requirements outlined in this syllabus. Just to make sure we understand each other from the beginning I am asking you to complete sign and return the following agreement.
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(Please clip and return by the third (3 rd .) class period)
I __________________ (Print Name) wish to enroll in MT-145-01 at Owensboro Community and Technical College . I understand and agree to complete the above requirements for MT 145.
__________________________(Signature) ________________(Date)
If it becomes necessary for me to withdraw from this class I understand the
required process that is outlined in the above MT 145 syllabus.
________________________ ( Name) _______________(Date)