Algebra and Geometry for Teachers

Algebra and Geometry for Teachers

MATH 3190A/5190A

Algebra and Geometry for Teachers

Fall 2004

Instructor:Dr. Peggy L. Moch

Office: Nevins Hall 2134

Phone:(229) 333-5785

Email:

Office Hours :Tuesdays9:00 – 9:50, 15:00 – 16:00,19:00 – 20:00 and Thursdays 9:00 – 9:50, 15:00 – 16:00; others by appointment

Options: Call, e-mail, stop by during office hours, or make an appointment

PREREQUISITE

MATH 3180 or MATH 2261 with a grade of C or better.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbook: Brumbaugh, D. & Rock, D. (2001). Teaching Secondary Mathematics(2ndEd.), Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. (includes MathXpert Plus CD)

Recommended Supplies: Three-ring notebook, colored pencils or markers, calculator (TI-83+ preferred), ruler (12 inches and 30 cm)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An in-depth study of concepts and processes underlying the middle and secondary school mathematics curriculum with special emphasis placed upon the integrated development of algebra, geometry, and analytical geometry. Problem solving and historical contexts serve as unifying strands. This course will be constructed with a laboratory component that will be utilized to help model an interactive teaching/learning environment in which student participation will play a major role in the learning process.

COURSE GOALS

This course is designed to promote students’ active involvement in the learning of mathematics through individual and collaborative problem solving as well as the communication of ideas. Major goals include the following:

1)to strengthen your reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving;

2)to develop your communication of mathematics in written and oral forms and with a variety of representations;

3)to develop your understanding of the foundations of algebra, geometry, and analytical geometry to enable you to teach effectively concepts and processes from these areas of the middle and secondary school mathematics curriculum;

4)to provide opportunities for collaborative learning in mathematics; and

5)to promote your active involvement in the learning of mathematics.

ASSESSMENT

Grading Scale

90% – 100%A

80% – 89%B

70% – 79%C

60% – 69%D

Below 60%F

Examinations and Makeup Policy

Exams and Quizzes

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN after the test has been administered to the class. If you know in advance that you must miss an exam day, let the instructor know in advance so arrangements can be made to take the exam early. It is NOT your right to take an exam early. This is done at the discretion of the instructor.

Your lowest exam score of the four exams will be replaced by your final exam score (if it helps). If you miss one exam, the missed exam will be your low score and your final exam score will be used for that exam. Subsequent missed exams will result in a zero score. All exams should be taken with a strong effort made on each exam.

Each of the examinations and quizzes are closed-book, individual exams/quizzes. The content of the exams/quizzes comes from the material presented in the course through readings (text and additional readings), text exercises, assignments, in-class notes, and in-class activities.

The final exam is a mandatorycomprehensive final and will make up 20% of your overall grade for the course.

Daily In-Class Work and Homework Assignments

The in-class experiences and out-of-class assignments are integral parts of the course. There can be no make-ups for missed in-class activities. You can expect to:

  1. In-class activities. Complete in-class activities maximizing efforts in your groups by staying on task throughout the entire activity. These in-class activitiesmayoccasionally be collected at the end of class.
  2. Text exercises from the given homework. Text exercises will be given for homework at each class meeting. Complete text exercises as homework and have the exercises ready to ask questions at the next class meeting. Textbook exercises will not be collected. Be certain to review ALL of the text exercises that are given (doing any exercise is up to you). Formative quizzes over the material will be held during a subsequent class meeting.
  3. Other homework assignments. NO LATE HOMEWORKwill be accepted without arrangements being made prior to the time the assignment is to be turned in. Exceptions to this policy will be determined on a case by case basis, but in general NO exceptions will be made.

FAQ: I missed class last time when you gave a homework assignment. Can I still turn it in?

ANSWER: Yes, as long as you are ready to turn it in at the time it is due (typically at the start of the next class session). To have the assignment ready on time, you will need to call someone to find out what the assignment was for the day you missed and check the class website. If you wait until the next class session to find out what the assignment was, it will be too late for you to turn it in.

ATTENDANCE

It is very important that you attend every class session. Roll will be taken each day by signing into your group folder. If you miss more than 20% of the class meetings (6 days), you will receive an F in the course as per Valdosta State University Policy found on pages 79 and 80 of the 2004 – 2005 VSU Undergraduate Catalog. Please note that there is NO distinction made between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. ALL absences are counted equally no matter what the reason.

If you are absent, be certain to get class notes, handouts, and assignments from another student in the class (such as a group mate). Getting the phone number and e-mail address of group mates during the first week of group formations will be very helpful. It is completely your responsibility to get class materials for a session that you missed. Instructor notes are available at: http://teach.valdosta.edu/plmoch/ under MATH 3190 or Math 5190, Fall 2004.

PROFESSIONALISM

A professional demonstrates the ability to focus on the job at hand. We expect professional basketball players, surgeons, attorneys, etc. to focus on their work when working. Michael Jordan does not read the paper during his game, nor does he go to the game simply to chat. During the semester, you need to exhibit professional behavior by focusing on the job at hand – learning mathematics. If you will come to class with the mindset of putting learning first, then the following aspects of professionalism will naturally fall into place:

  • Come to class every time it is scheduled, be on time, and do not leave early.
  • Turn in assignments and other materials on time.
  • Do not pack up your books early.
  • Stay on task – learning mathematics.
  • Be prepared.
  • Do NOT cheat. Procedures for academic dishonesty will be followed if work presented as your own is not actually your own work. If you need help, please get the help BEFORE the examinations.
  • Through your actions and words, display that the work you are doing is important.
  • Be courteous to and respectful of others. All students have the right to hear in class lectures, so do NOT converse privately during class lectures.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude.

CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Students requiring classroom accommodations or modifications due to a documented disability should contact the Special Services Program located in Nevins Hall room 115. Phone 245-2498 (voice) or 219-1348 (tty).

Instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus upon class notification.

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