Instructor: Lisa Winch

Office Number: 7350

Phone: 269-488-4761

Fax: 269-488-4458

e-mail:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course gives the elementary/middle school education student a foundation in the structure of arithmetic and an introduction to algebra, problem solving and number theory. Topics include sets, numeration systems, operations on whole numbers and signed integers, fractions, decimals, percents, estimation and mathematical sentences. Passing a proficiency test in arithmetic is necessary for completion of this course.

COURSE MATERIALS

  • Textbook bundle: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, 4th Edition, by Tom Bassarear (Houghton, Mifflin Company). This also includes a manipulatives kit (bag of toys).
  • KVCC Course Packet for MATH 140
  • Calculator (any scientific, graphing or four-function calculator with a +/- key is adequate)
  • Three-ring notebook for maintaining organized notes/handouts

PREREQUISITES

Completion of Math 116 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent with a 2.0 or better is required for you to be enrolled in this course. Math 096 and Math 114 are not acceptable substitutes. If you do not have the required prerequisite, please see me immediately to ensure your proper placement in a mathematics course. Students who cannot provide appropriate documentation of successful completion of this prerequisite by September 14will be withdrawn from the course.

COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  • To give students the necessary concept background in mathematics to enable them to successfully complete a mathematics methods course or to be more effective in an elementary/middle school mathematics classroom.
  • To develop much of the number content appropriate for elementary/middle school teachers using (primarily) small groups, discovery learning, and elementary classroom aids and manipulatives to develop this material.
  • To develop the reasoning and problem solving skills necessary for elementary/middle school classroom teachers of mathematics.
  • To develop the ability to accurately communicate, both orally and in writing, about mathematical concepts and ideas.

COURSE ORGANIZATION

The class will meet two times a week for 110 minutes each session. Class time will be devoted to small group exploration of activities and problem sets, supplementary lectures, discussion of assigned problems, and assessment activities (including tests).

It is assumed that as preservice teachers you are dedicated, professional and willing to spend a reasonable amount of time outside of class reading, studying, working on assignments, and preparing for tests.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Satisfactory performance on an Arithmetic Skills Test(AST) is a requirement for receiving a passing grade in this course. To pass the AST you must score at least 80% on the first try or at least 90% on any subsequent attempts. Your score on the AST will not count toward your final course grade. This requirement must be completed before Wednesday, November 28, 2007 or your highest possible final grade in this course will

be a 1.5. Note:Final Withdrawal Date: Friday, November 30, 2007, by 5 p.m.

EVALUATION

Grades will be based attendance, participation, homework/group work activities, writing assignments, quizzes, two exams, and a cumulative final exam. Participation in small groups and whole-class discussions is required. There will be no make-ups on group work or homework activities; however, you may drop your 2 lowest homework/group work grades.

All assignments will lose 10% for each calendar day they are late. Assignments are considered late if they are handed in any time after they were originally collected in class. Late work will not be accepted after one week late.

NO make-up quizzes or exams will be given unless the student:

  1. contacts me before class to inform me of an unavoidable absence.
  2. documents this excuse.
  3. takes the quiz or exam before the next class period.

Every class session will be of great importance to your learning of the material in this course. Due to the exploratory nature of the class and all of the small group participation, you cannot possibly learn the content by merely reading or copying notes from a classmate. Since attendance and full participation in class activities are essential to your success and learning, attendance in this course is required. I expect you to arrive on time and participate for the entire class period. If you arrive after

2:30 p.m. you are considered tardy; if you leave before the entire class has been dismissed it is considered an early departure. Tardies, early departures and excessive absences suggest a lack of commitment and professionalism; they also guarantee that you will not attain the required objectives of this course. Consequently, there are

NO EXCUSEDABSENCES in this course. Three (3) tardies/early departures will be considered the same as one (1) absence. Two (2) ½ of class absences equals one (1). Your final course grade will be affected by tardies/early departures and absences as follows:

# of absences / Final course grade lowered by
5 / 0.5
6 / 1.0
7 / 1.5
8 / 2.0
9 / 2.5
10 / 3.0
11 / 3.5

GRADE DETERMINATION

Your final grade for the semester will be computed based on the points you earn out of the total possible for each category.

  • Homework/group work, etc… - average grade of all collected - 100 pts.
  • Writing assignments - average grade of all collected - 100 pts.
  • Quizzes - average of all quizzes - 100 pts.
  • Exam 1 - 100 pts.
  • Exam 2 - 100 pts.
  • Final Exam - Double-weighted - 200 pts.

Your course grades will be computed and reported based on the percentage of the total points you earned for the semester, using the following grading scale:

GRADE / PERCENTAGE / GRADE / PERCENTAGE
4.0 / [90 – 100] / 2.0 / [70 – 75)
3.5 / [85 – 90) / 1.5 / [65 – 70)
3.0 / [80 – 85) / 1.0 / [60 – 65)
2.5 / [75 – 80) / 0.0 / [0 – 60)

MINIMAL GRADE REQUIREMENT

The Mathematics Department requires that a student achieve a grade of 2.0 or better in Math 140 to enroll in either Math 142 or Math 245. No exceptions will be made to this policy. At most four-year institutions, grades of 2.0 or better will transfer; however, students who elect the Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teaching minor at WMU must earn a grade of at least 3.0 to transfer credit for an individual course.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Any use of unauthorized aids of any form or obtaining any help from another student during individual activities is considered cheating. To knowingly provide help to another student in these situations is also considered cheating. The first time cheating is observed, a grade of 0 will be given to the student(s) for that activity. If a second incident occurs, the student(s) will be given a 0.0 for the course and a letter describing the action will be sent to the Vice President for Student and Instructional Support Services for inclusion in the permanent file(s) of the participant(s).

Academic dishonesty also includes academic misconduct, plagiarism and fabrication. These and other issues are outlined in the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Student Handbook. To find the handbook, go to KVCC’s web page ( and use the College Resources link to read the actual handbook language and educate yourself about this important topic.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Several examples of elementary and middle school mathematics textbooks are in the library, as are some professional journals on elementary and middle school teaching; please use them as resource materials.
  • It is also possible for students to join professional organizations interested in the advancement of elementary/middle school mathematics (e.g., the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics) for reasonable student membership fees. These organizations publish journals [e.g., Teaching Children Mathematics (formerly The ArithmeticTeacher), and Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School] that are full of useful information and will keep you informed of the current trends in mathematics education at the elementary and middle school levels. If you are interested, see your instructor or Google the organizations on the web.
  • The MathematicsCenter sponsors a laboratory (Room 2220) where you can go for help on assigned problems or to study. Take advantage of this facility whenever possible; it is there for your benefit and its services are free. Please see the bulletin board in the MathCenter for tutor availability.
  • If you are unable to complete this class, please OFFICIALLY WITHDRAW. Otherwise I am obligated to give you a grade of 0.0, which becomes part of your permanent record, including your G.P.A. Final Withdrawal Date: Friday, November 30, 2007, by 5 p.m.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Attend all class sessions, on time and ready to learn. If you must miss class, contact me in advance (if possible). You are responsible for any materials missed or announcements made in your absence.
  • Bring your text, explorations manual, course pack, calculator, manipulatives, and all course work to each class session.
  • Have assignments completed and ready to discuss at the beginning of each class. Questions regarding homework are only for those who have attempted to do it! There is a limited amount of time for questions – make it count!
  • Common courtesy is expected toward your fellow classmates and teacher at all times. Turn off cell phones and pagers before you enter the room, limit side talking during class time, discuss ideas in a civil manner, and avoid disrupting your classmates’ learning processes with your actions or words.
  • Please help everyone maintain a positive learning environment!

A Note About How to Succeed in This Course: Wisdom from previous students

1.Attend class regularly. This class meets three times a week for fifteen weeks. Class meetings will include questions about previous material and homework as well as cover new material. The grade earned in a math class goes up with regular attendance and participation. If you believe your learning is important, come to class ready to participate!

2.Be prepared for class. Have assignments completed and ready to discuss at the beginning of each class. Bring your text, calculator, paper and writing implements so that you can participate fully and maximize your learning.

3.Devote a sufficient amount of time to the class. You should expect to spend 7 to 10 hours a week outside of class studying the material and doing the homework. Remember that you will only learn mathematics through disciplined practice and authentic participation. No one can teach you mathematics—you build your own understanding through experience, so schedule “math time” into your day.

4.Do the homework: Math is not a spectator sport! As is true of most skills, the only way you can become proficient in math is by practicing. The homework is your chance to practice the concepts you have been learning. And please don’t suffer in silence! Ask for help when you need it — it is in your best interest to stay current. Create a study group for yourself and your classmates; research shows that students who feel a sense of community with their peers do better in their coursework. And remember, I am available during office hours (or by appointment) for additional help.

5.Turn in your assignments complete and on time. Watch your notation, grammar, labels, etc. Losing valuable points for sloppy or incomplete work (or work that does not follow directions) only hurts your grade. So does losing points for late work. Maximize the points you earn for the semester by doing things well on every assignment you do.

6.Review the material before exams. If you have been doing your homework on a regular basis, you should not have to “cram” for an exam. Use your regularly scheduled “math time” to review the material that is to be covered on the exam. Read the chapter summary, and work out the problems on the chapter review. Make sure you get a good night’s rest, eat some nutritious food and drink plenty of water to keep your body and mind in tip-top shape.

7.Be considerate of yourself and others. Turn off cell phones and pagers so as not to disrupt the learning of your fellow classmates. Respect your classmates and teacher—common courtesy is expected at all times!

  1. Remember the “magic phrase”: Math is FUN 

Please Note: If for any reason class is cancelled on the day of scheduled quiz or exam, the quiz or exam will be given at the next class meeting.

MATH 140 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

SECTION 10391 Fall 2007

DAYDATETOPIC

1 - T 9/4Orientation and Problem Solving

2 – H 9/6Problem Solving Cont. – Writing Assign. #1 given

3 - T 9/11Algebraic Thinking

4 - H 9/13Sets; Venn Diagrams;Writing Assign #1 Due

NOTE:You must provide proof of the Math 116 prerequisite by

September 14 or you will be dropped from the course.

5 - T 9/18Venn Diagram problems; QUIZ #1

6 - H 9/20Other Bases;Arithmetic Skills Test by Sept. 28th

7 - T 9/25Whole Numbers (+) and (–); Invented Strategies

8 - H 9/27Concepts for Whole Number (+) and (–); QUIZ #2

9 - T 10/2Traditional & Alternative Algorithms for Whole Numbers (+) and (–);

Writing Assign #2 given

10 - H 10/4Whole Number (*): Concepts, invented Strategies and algorithms

11 - T 10/9Whole Number (): Concepts, invented Strategies and algorithms,

Writing Assign. #2 Due

12 - H 10/11Factors and Divisibility Introduction

13 - T 10/16Divisibility Tests; Exam I Review

14 - H 10/18EXAM I

15 - T 10/23Primes and Composites; Factorization

16 - H 10/25GCF and LCM; Writing Assign. #3 given

17 - T 10/30Representing and Comparing Fractions

QUIZ #3 must be taken in the TestingCenter by 11/10

18 - H 11/1Fraction Comparison and Computation; Fractional PartsRep.

Writing Assign. #3 Due

19 - T 11/6Fraction Problem Solving; Writing Assign. #4 given

20 - H 11/8Fraction Additionand Subtraction;

21 - T 11/13Fraction Multiplication and Division;

Writing Assign #4 Due;QUIZ #4 given

22 - H 11/15Decimal Square Model

23 - T 11/20Decimal Operations (+) and (–); Quiz #4 Due

Thursday 11/22Thanksgiving – NO CLASS

NOTE:You must pass the Arithmetic Skills Test by Wednesday, Nov. 28

or yourhighest possible final grade in this course will be a 1.5

24 - T 11/27Decimal Operations (*) and (): Reminder

25 – H11/29Percents

26 – T 12/4Exam II Review

27 - H12/6EXAM II

28 - T 12/11Percents; All Extra Credit due

29 - H 12/13Review for Final Exam

30 – T 12/18FINAL EXAM (Cumulative)

L. Winch CAS140111/13/2018