MATH 1350 Welcome
First Day Handout for Students
Mathematics for Middle Grade Teacher Certification I 33535 004
Fall 2011 Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-5:50pm room HCU 142 FBG
Dr. Nancy C. Miller, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics Office: PIN 1025 & FBG 142
Office Hours: 9:20am-10:40am; & 1:15pm-2:30pm at PIN; also 4-4:25 FBG room 142
Other hours by appointment, ask or e-mail
Phone: 512-223-8270
E-Mail: nmiller@austincc.edu http://www.austincc.edu/nmiller
Nancy C. Miller is here to help you, encourage you, and coach you to move toward your academic goals. She has much experience guiding and aiding hundreds of others in reaching their academic goals at ACC and other colleges.
REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS The required textbook for this course is:
Text: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers 5th ed., Tom Bassarear, Brooks/Cole, 2012 (ISBN-10: 0840054637 ISBN-13: 9780840054630) AND
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers: Explorations 5th ed, Tom Bassarear, Brooks/Cole, 2012 (ISBN-10: 0840062451 | ISBN-13: 9780840062451)
OR shrink-wrapped bundle of both (ISBN-10: 1111649634 | ISBN-13: 9781111649630)
PREREQUISITES: Students in MATH 1350/1351 must have completed College Algebra or its equivalent like MATH 1324, and have completed any TSI remediation requirements in reading and writing. This is not a course in basic algebra and mathematical skills. Students enrolling in this course are assumed to have significant arithmetic and algebra skills. If not, please take another course. It is important that students check with the institution to which they are transferring. UT does not accept College Algebra, so 1324 or another course with a higher prerequisite might be a better prerequisite for UT, depending upon your mathematics background. Show Nancy Miller documentation of your prerequisite by Aug. 25 if she does not have the record. (MATH 1332 and 1342 are not prerequisites for this course.)
This course is taught through investigations of mathematical ideas through explorations in a supportive, cooperative learning environment.
COURSE RATIONALE/PURPOSE
MATH 1350 is the first semester of a two-semester sequence (1350/1351) designed for prospective elementary and middle school teachers. This course extends the foundational ideas of mathematics so that the prospective teachers (Early Childhood - 8) have an explicit understanding of these concepts. This sequence of courses transfers to UT-Austin as M316K and M316L, to Texas State University as 2311 and 2312, and to some other four-year institutions.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
MATH 1350 MATHEMATICS FOR MIDDLE GRADE TEACHER CERTIFICATION 1 (3-3-0). Concepts of sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory and properties of the natural numbers, integers, rational and real number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking.
COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES
Course Objectives are listed at: http://www.austincc.edu/mthdept2/tfcourses/obj1350.htm
Learning Objectives
b) increase students' ability to independently increase their own understanding of mathematics (they need to be able to learn math and be confident that they understand it since we can't get to everything they will need to teach elementary or middle school students);
c) challenge students' beliefs about mathematics and, hopefully, enhance their attitudes in a positive way;
d) provide students with an opportunity to experience mathematics in a constructivist learning environment, as they may be expected to teach in this manner (for further information see NCTM's Professional Standards);
e) introduce common manipulatives; through use, rather than demonstration
f) begin to develop effective communication skills that will be useful to the student when they begin teaching.
Internet: You can get the homework assignments from my webpage listed at the top of this handout, if you don’t have them with you. You'll need a validated ACC ID to use the ACC computer lab.
Perspective: This course is intended to be the beginning of a transition from being a learner of mathematics to being a teacher of mathematics. It will culminate with the mathematics methods course taken as part of teacher training. During this transition you should develop from being able to "do" mathematics to being able to analyze and understand elementary mathematics concepts. You should concentrate on changing from a passive receiver of information to an independent learner who can seek out new ideas and understand them. Lastly, you should begin this transition by focusing on yourself as a learner of mathematics (How do I learn math?) to focusing on others' learning styles, to focusing on the child as a learner and how you can facilitate that learning.
Like many other careers, elementary education has its "tools of the trade" (manipulatives and calculators). It is unfortunate that they are only recently commonly used and you will be expected to utilize them. Therefore, you must learn to use manipulatives and calculators to model mathematical ideas and, hopefully, will come to appreciate their usefulness.
Attendance is required. This class is designed to be active and interactive. Much of what you learn will evolve from in-class activities, experiences and discussions. Thus attendance is essential. I do take attendance each class meeting. I assume that you will not miss class unless you are ill or must attend to some personal emergency (covering someone's shift at work isn't a personal emergency – your job from 4:30 – 5:45pm. Tuesday and Thursday is to be in this class). Points will be added to your point total for fewer than 3 absences or subtracted for more than 3 absences. To calculate the points you will gain or lose, use the following formula: 3(3 - # of absences). I don't distinguish between excused and un-excused absences. An absence is an absence and you don't need to explain why you missed (I care and will listen but it won't change the count). I assume that if you aren't in class you have a very good reason; I trust your judgment on what is a very good reason (or acknowledgment of the penalty for those not good reasons). Be conscious of signing the roll sheet every class period until I tell you it isn’t necessary, so that your attendance is accurately recorded only when you are present for the entire class time.
Class participation expectations: Each student will actively participate in group learning activities each class session to experience socio-constructivist learning and to increase mathematics communication skills. You are not required to work with the same group each session.
Study: A college mathematics course typically requires two to three hours of study outside of class for every one hour spent in class. Using this guideline, you should schedule four to five hours per class period for studying outside of class and then be grateful if you don't need all of it.
This is a very intensive and demanding course. You will have to spend time outside of class reading and working on this course; because of that, you will want to use your time in class effectively (not visiting!). The tasks in the course will require time outside of scheduled class hours for reading, thinking, problem solving, and writing. You may also want to plan for time to work with classmates outside of class time. If you work full-time or if you are taking courses and working, you should carefully consider how you will manage the time requirements of this course as well as your other responsibilities.
Incompletes: Generally, to receive a grade of "I", a student must have taken all examinations, turned in all work, be passing, and after the last date to withdraw, have a personal tragedy occur which prevents course completion.
Withdrawals: It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course although either one of us may initiate a withdrawal up to the published withdrawal date. An instructor may withdraw you from a course if you miss four or more class meetings. Do not assume that I will withdraw you if you just stop attending class; while I am likely to do so; I may not. If there's a problem, call, email or leave a note. After the withdrawal date, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal.
Last withdrawal Date: Nov. 17, 2011.
Reinstatements: Students who were withdrawn will not be reinstated.
Advice: Be aware, be flexible, come to class, do your work, and ask questions.
Organization: This course will focus on topics of Chapters 1-6 of the text.
There will be an algebra exam over college algebra material given in the testing center during the first two weeks. While this counts only as a daily grade unless your prerequisite is questionable, you must earn at least 70% or spend half an hour each week for 6 weeks in Nancy Miller’s office reviewing the foundation content for this course that the test covers. If your prerequisite is questionable, you must earn 75% on the algebra exam to stay in the course. Obtain a review sheet from Nancy Miller.
ACC Testing Center policies can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
*Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at http://www.austincc.edu/math/
Course Components: You will be evaluated on each of the following course components.
Text exercises 180 points
Chapter explorations 270 points
Reflective writings 40 points
Algebra skills test 10 points
Problem set (1 take home exam) 80 points
Tests 2, 3, & final exam pt. lI (in class) 300 points
Portfolio (final exam pt. I) 20 points
Assessment Policy:
+Chapter text exercises 10 points each completely worked, correct response set. Except first 4 short ones count 20 points together
+Chapter explorations 10 points each completely worked, correct response set.
+Reflective writings 10 pts each Credit for thorough writing on topic
+Take home test 80 points each completely worked, correct response set with sufficient justification. Worked alone but OK to discuss general ideas.
+in class test 2, 3, & final exam pt. Il 100 points each in class tests worked alone without discussion similar to the text homework problems.
+Portfolio or final exam pt. I 20 points. The portfolio is your final assessment pt. I and will consist of a writing and problem solving component. In the writing component, you will evaluate your own progress in meeting the course objectives and you will discuss your mathematical growth. In the problem solving component, you will demonstrate that you have become more of an independent learner by exploring new mathematical concepts.
Grading Scale
A minimum 810-900 Points + minimum grade of 80 on the final exam ll
B minimum 720 Points + minimum grade of 70 on the final exam ll
C minimum 630 Points + minimum grade of 60 on the final exam ll
D minimum 540 Points + minimum grade of 50 on the final exam ll
F below 540 Points or final exam grade lower than 50
For example if a student earned 830 points and scored 75 on the final exam, the student would earn a course grade of B because of the 75 on the final exam.
Missed exam policy: You must provide written documentation like a doctor’s excuse for a make-up of an in class exam and the exam must be taken within 3 days of the scheduled in class exam in the FBG testing center. The exam will be different than the in class exam.
Late daily work: is accepted within 3 days (usually next class session) after due date for 80% of full credit. No late work accepted the last week and a half of classes.
I’m glad you are in my class. I will be your encourager as you learn mathematics.
ACC Course Policies
Attendance/Class Participation
Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.
Withdrawal Policy
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.
State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.
Incompletes
An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty
A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.
Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.
Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.
Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available at http://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/
Safety Statement
Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
Use of ACC email
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.
Testing Center Policy
Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam. To request an exam, one must have:
Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Student And Instructional Services
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/s4/
Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/
ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php
For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.
A resource for Mathematics TEKS Connections is the MTC website, http://mtc.tamu.edu. This is a project in progress at Texas A &M University, sponsored by the TEA, and you will find some interesting activities at the website.
Assignments
Chapter 1: Foundations for Learning Mathematics
Explorations 1.1; 1.4; 1.5 . 30 Points
Read text and do Text Exercises beginning on page 13: 1, 2, 3, 4ab, 5, 9, 12, 15
Beginning on page 23: 6abc, 15, 22
Beginning on page 37: 6, 8, 9, 17
Beginning on page 47: 2, 4 4 short sections 20 Points
Due Date: Sept. 6.
The explorations may be turned in one at a time, as you complete them, but please turn in all of the text exercises at the same time.
The Explorations book is designed to be a workbook. You'll notice the pages are perforated and have holes. Feel free to tear out and turn in to me. However, if you want to sell your book back or keep it together, when you are finished with it, you should do the explorations on your own paper.
Chapter 2: Fundamental Concepts
Exploration 2.1 Understanding Venn Diagrams 10 Points
Text Exercises beginning on page 65 5, 6, 8, 9 ,18 10 Points
This assignment is due Sept. 13.
Exploration 2.4, 2.5 , 2.6 part 30 Points
Text Exercises 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 18, 21, 29, 34, 42 10 Points
This assignment is due by Sept. 15.
Exploration 2.7 Alphabitia You will be doing the whole exploration, but turn in part 3 only and your new table on Sept 27 . 10 Points
Text Exercises 2abcde, 3abe, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 22, 25, 42, 43 due Sept. 22 10 Points
On Sept 20, I will give you the test 1 over chapters 1 and 2. It will be due Sept. 27 by 4:30pm. 5 points off for each day late, no discussion with others 80 Points
Chapter 3: The Four Fundamental Operations of Arithmetic
Exploration 3.1 Addition & Subtraction in Alphabitia 10 Points
Explorations 3.2, 3.5, 3.9 Mental arithmetic together 10 Points
Text Exercises 1ab, 6, 11, 12, 13, 25 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 4.
Text Exercises 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, 13, 16show base 10 diagrams, 28, 38why, and
read Exp 3.3 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 6
Section 3.3 Understanding Multiplication
Explorations 3.12 read Exp. 3.13 10 Points
Text Exercises 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13a area model, 22, 30, 49, 58 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 11
Section 3.4 Understanding Division
Exploration 3.15, 3.18, 3.19ab, 3.20 40 Points
Text Exercises 1, 2, 6, 11, 14, 23, 27, 31, 43, 68, 70 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 13.
Exploration 4.1 10 Points
Text Exercises 5(explain divisibility tests you can use on each #),7,9,15,26,33,39 10 Points
This assignment is due Oct. 18.
Exploration 4.2 10 Points
Text Exercises 2, 3, 4explain, 5, 6, 8, 25 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 20
Text Exercises 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 20
In class, test 2 without class discussion will be in class Thursday, Oct. 20 over chapters 1 – 4.3.
No make-ups without written official documentation of emergency. 100 Points
Chapter 5: Extending the Number System
Section 5.1 Integers
Exploration (5.1, 5.2, 5.3 class notes only) 10 Points
Text Exercises 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 21, 23 10 Points
This assignment is due by Oct. 27
Exploration 5.7, 5.8, 20 Points
Text Exercise 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11ab, 15, 16, 20, 32, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52 10 Points
This text assignment is due Nov. 3
Exploration 5.12, 5.16 20 Points
Text Exercises 1a-k, 2a-i, 3, 5, 6, 14, 26, 34, 35, 39, 51, 52, 53, 54 10 Points
This text assignment is due by Nov. 10.
On Nov. 17, over 3.3-5.3. 100 Points
Exploration 5.18, 5.23 20 Points
Text Exercises 1a-j, 2, 3, 9, 13, 19, 48, 53, 57 10 Points
This assignment is due Nov. 22
Section 6.1 Ratio and Proportion
Exploration 6.5 10 Points
Text Exercises 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 23, 32, 35, 51, 52 10 Points
This assignment is due Nov. 29
Exploration 6.6, 6.9 20 Points
Text Exercises 2, 4, 8, 15, 19, 25, 50, 51, 52 10 Points
This assignment is due by Dec.6
Final exam pt. 2 in class Thursday, Dec. 8, over chapters 1-6 . No make-ups without official written documentation of emergency. 100 Points
I will distribute your portfolio assignments on Nov. 29. The portfolio will be due Thursday, Dec. 8, no later than 4:30 p.m………………………………………… 20 Points
“Please note: schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class.”