Item #5926 MARC 99A:
TOOLS FOR INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA SUCCESS (2 credits)
9:15AM-10:30AM TTH Building 07 Room 223
Summer Quarter, 2008
Instructor and Coordinator of MARC classes: Shannon Pressley
E-mail:
Office: Bldg 19, Room 22 back office (in the MARC)
Phone: 253-566-6037 (TCC extension 6037)
MARC Class Web Page: (access to syllabus, assignments, calendar, etc)
www.tacomacc.edu/marc the click on the “MARC classes” link under choices
MARC 90A Class Tutors:
David Tempel, Bldg. 19 – MARC, drop-in hours: MW 8am-11am; TTh 8am-9am
DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVE: An optional course to be taken concurrently with MATH 99, designed to strengthen both mathematical skills and study skills, and to increase success in this challenging course. Students will work in small groups with coaching from a math tutor and an instructor. Topics may include: math study skills, reading a math textbook, overcoming math and test anxiety, learning style evaluation, test taking skills and stress management. The objective of this course is to provide additional learning support in the form of group work and study skills for students taking MATH 99. This course will help students identify their personal strengths and weaknesses in learning math and to provide specific study skills to increase their mathematical success. It will also help students develop a sense of community with other students, faculty and staff.
Learning Objectives: The abbreviation following each objective refers to the College-Wide Learning Outcomes: COM=Communication; CRT=Critical Thinking; IIT=Information and Information Technology; RSP=Responsibility; LWC= Living and Working Cooperatively. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Maintain a positive attitude toward learning math (RSP)
2. Identify specific skills useful in learning mathematics (CRT) (COK)
3. Appreciate the value of mathematics (RSP)
4. Identify personal learning strengths and weakness (CRT)
5. Identify academic needs and corresponding campus-based learning resources (RSP, COK)
6. Strengthen test taking skills (CRT)
7. Use stress management skills (RSP)
8. Work in groups to develop strategies and solve problems. (LWC) (COM)
9. Read and use a mathematical textbook effectively. (COM)
10. Use on-line and software tools to improve skills. (IIT)
Prerequisite: You must be taking Math 99 concurrently with this course so you must have either tested into Math 99 via a TCC math assessment test, OR passed Math 90 (Elementary Algebra) or its equivalent with a C- grade or better. You must ALSO HAVE assessed into Reading 95 or completed Reading 85 with a grade of C or better. If it should come to the attention of the instructors that you do not meet the prerequisite requirements or are not registered for a Math 99 course, you will be administratively withdrawn from class. There are no exceptions.
Required Materials for class:
1. Folder or notebook – for organizational purposes.
2. Internet access at home or school [available at TCC in the MARC (19-22), the Information Commons (bldg 28) and the library (bldg 7)]
3. Math 99 course materials - i.e., syllabus, textbook, calculator, ruler, etc.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: This course will be graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading scale. Two dimensions of the S/U status of the course that are important:
1) Attendance and participation are critical to passing the class. You must have attended at
least 70% of the time to pass the class.
2) You must successfully complete all the assignments including the Final Reflection Paper to receive an “S” in the course
3) Students must achieve an overall rating of 75% or higher to pass this course.
Participation and assignments will be weighted as follows:
Attendance (2 points/day) 32 points
Participation (1 point per day) 16 points
Application Assignments (2 assignments total) 16 points
Final Reflection Paper 16 points
Pre-course Survey 10 points
Mid-Quarter Questionnaire 5 points
Post Course Survey 5 points
Total Points 100 points
Your grade in this class may be checked at any time through your student portal:
1) LOG ON TO http://my.tacomacc.net/portal/main.html
2) ENTER USER NAME & PASSWORD
3) SELECT THE TAB AT TOP OF THE PAGE THAT SAYS “My Classes”
4) A LIST OF ALL YOUR CLASS WILL APPEAR; NEXT TO THE MARC CLASS IS A LITTLE ICON. CLICK ON IT.
5) NOW YOU ARE IN THE MARC PAGE & AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE ARE DIFFERENT SELECTIONS. TO CHECK YOUR GRADE CLICK ON “Grade book”.
Final grades may be accessed through the TCC Portal after August 19th.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Your success in this course will depend in large measure on the interest, willingness, and enthusiasm that you and your classmates bring to the experience. You are expected to come prepared and be an active participant. Because so much of the learning experience in this class is interactive and participatory, attendance is mandatory. Absences will result in lost attendance points which may be made up if you have made prior arrangements with me. As the course facilitator I reserve the right to approve or deny credit for missed class time. Late work is accepted but will result in a lower grade.
APPLICATION ASSIGNMENTS
Students will be required to submit 2 assignments showing that they are applying what they are learning in MARC 99 to their math class. Dates assignments are due are indicated in the course calendar and you will choose the topics based on our recommendations. Assignments may be submitted in class or via email to . Assignments will be marked with the number of points earned out of 8 or “NC” (No Credit) if the assignment is missing parts and you need to resubmit it. Late assignments will automatically loose 1 point and assignments are considered late if they are received after midnight on the date that they are due.
FINAL REFLECTION PAPER
This will be considered your final assignment and will be in place of taking a final. As this class is experiential, it is important that we get as much qualitative feedback as possible from students. There will be more on this assignment toward the end of the quarter. THIS FINAL REFLECTION PAPER NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED TO PASS THE CLASS!
WITHDRAWALS/INCOMPLETES: TCC policy states that anyone can withdraw from a class on or before July 7th, IF the student fills out the necessary forms and turns them in to registration. After that, you need the instructor’s permission. The last date to withdraw and receive a grade of “W” on your transcript is July 23rd. Due to the highly interactive and participatory nature of this class incompletes will not be given. If you withdraw from your math class it may be possible to stay in your MARC class if you talk to your MARC instructor and sign a contract.
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
TCC is an adult environment. You, as a student, are expected to behave as an adult. This means being responsible for your own learning and respecting others. Please silence your cell phones while in the class, and never make or receive calls while class is in session. You are welcome to excuse yourself from the class if the matter is urgent and unavoidable. You will be responsible for the instruction that may be missed during your absence. Children are not permitted in class, however, we do realize that on occasion emergencies or circumstances arise that can not be avoided. Please let the instructor know if you are required to bring your child to class.
DAILY CLASS STRUCTURE:
1) The first 5 minutes of class may consist of reminders, filling out surveys or just checking in on how you are doing.
2) The rest of class will be for you to work on homework and receive help from your fellow students and the MARC class tutors.
3) Class will last the full class period. If you do not have homework to work on then you should work some extra practice problems or help another student with their work. If you are disruptive and not working on math you will be requested to leave and will lose your participation point for the day. If you are late to class or leave early you will lose attendance points.
cheating is, simply stated, not doing your own work. This includes such behavior as submitting the same or very similar written work as another student. All work completed in the textbooks, as homework, or as a written assignment MUST be your own work. First offense: Failure of the assignment. Second offense: Failure of the course and the incident will be referred to the appropriate authorities and may result in expulsion.
Student Access: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Assistance:
A number of resources are available if you need additional help (refer to the “Resources for Help with Math” document on the MARC website). The Writing and Tutoring Center in Bldg 7 (upstairs) has tutors available to meet one-on-one with you once or twice a week. The Math Advising and Resource Center (MARC) in Building 19, Room 22 is open many hours a week, with space for study, as well as tutors available to answer your questions. If you know you are starting to get behind or feel lost, GET HELP!
QUESTIONS AND/OR CONCERNS
If you have questions or concerns about this class, please feel free to come and talk with me. It is important to maintain an environment that is open, honest, and where everyone feels heard and respected. I want to do everything I can to provide the best learning experience for you. This can only happen if we communicate. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair of the Mathematics Department, Valerie Morgan-Krick, building 20 room 7.
TENATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE: Note that this is a tentative schedule and, as such, is subject to changes (announced in class and changes made on the MARC classes website).
Monday / TuesdayMARC Class days / Wednesday / Thursday
MARC Class days
June 23rd / 24- 1st day of class – Pre-Course Survey / 25 / 26
30 / July 1 / 2 / 3 - No classes
7 / 8 / 9 / 10– 1st Application Assignment due
14 / 15 / 16 / 17– Mid- Quarter Questionnaire
21 / 22 / 23 / 24
28 / 29 / 30 / 31– 2nd Application Assignment due
August 4 / 5 / 6 / 7– Post-Course Survey
11 / 12– Last Day of Class – Final Reflection Paper due / 13 / 14- Finals – No MARC classes
The information in this syllabus is subject to change.
Any changes will be made via class announcements. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements made while you were absent.
MARC Class Participation Point Options
To earn your participation point for the day you need to be working on math related things during the entire class period. Some math related options are:
1) Working on math class homework, certification (CML), projects, etc,
2) Studying for a math test, quiz, etc.
o Making flashcards
o Making or taking practice tests (available through MARC instructor)
3) Reading your math book (reviewing past sections, previewing future section, etc.)
4) Reviewing past homework assignments and tests to correct errors and make sure you have mastered concepts.
5) Working on Application Assignments for your MARC class
6) Working extra practice problems (current section, review past sections in book, for handouts talk to MARC instructor)
7) Helping someone else in your class (you learn concepts even better by explaining them to someone else.)
8) If you just took a test, debriefing with your classmates about questions you struggled with.
You will lose your participation points if you are:
· Working on anything for your other classes
· Texting or talking on your cell phone during your MARC class time.
· Talking with other classmates about non-math related topics (this is disruptive to and disrespectful of those who have work to do.)
· Sleeping
** Remember you can always leave early if you wish. However, if you do you will lose an attendance and/or participation point for the day.
APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
Application assignments must:
· Have at the top of the assignment:
o Your name
o Which MARC class you are in (MARC 90A, MARC99A)
o The title of the application assignment topic that you chose.
· Be typed or clearly written.
· Have complete sentence responses to each question.
· Use proper grammar and correct spelling.
****If you do not follow the above criteria your assignment will be returned and you will be asked to redo it and you will automatically lose one point.
Remember:
· You will be required to submit 2 application assignments showing that you are applying what you are learning in your MARC class to your Math class.
· The two due dates are indicated in the course calendar but assignments may be submitted early.
· Assignments may be submitted in class or via email to .
· You will choose the topics for your application assignments based on our recommendations.
· Assignments will be marked with the number of points earned out of 8 or “NC” (No Credit – redo = 0 points).
· Late assignments will automatically lose one point. Assignments are considered late if they are received after midnight on the date that they are due.
· If you are asked to redo an assignment please attach the original assignment to the redo.