Course Syllabus

Course Prefix and Number: MATH 341

Course Title & Credit Hours: Math Concepts for Teachers I Syllabus, 3 credit hours

Dakota State University

Academic Term, Year: Fall 2009

Course Meeting Time and Location:

Lecture: M, W, F from 8:00 to 8:50 in the Kennedy Center room 112    

            Final Exam: December 14, 2009 - time: 8:00-10:00

 

 

Instructors Contact Information:

Dr. Richard Avery

208b Lowry Hall

Telephone: 256-5188

E-mail: rich.avery@dsu.edu


                                   

                                   

                                    Monday:          10:00-11:50

Office Hours:             Tuesday:          9:00-11:50

Wednesday:    10:00-11:50

                                    Thursday:        9:00-11:50

 

Additional office hours by Discovery or Appointment.

 

Course Description: An introduction to sets, numeration systems, arithmetic operations/algorithms, problem solving and other topics. (2008-2009 DSU Catalog)

 

Course Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: MATH 102, College Algebra

Technology Skills: Desire2Learn will be used to deliver course supplements as well as serving as a communication tool between students and instructor.  MyMathLab will be used for homework, quizzes and exams.  Students must run the installation wizard linked on the announcements page before they will be able to complete the MyMathLab Homework assignments as well as take Quizzes and Exams.  Note: students must download the TestGen PlugIn.

     

Description of Instructional and Course Delivery Methods: Students learn mathematics by doing mathematics. Lessons and assignments are developed to engage students and facilitate learning.  (ACTIVE LEARNING)  This is a competency based course with online homework, quizzing and testing components using MyMathLab.  During the academic year there are on campus sections which use the standard lecture format and Internet sections which take advantage of the full capabilities of MyMathLab (videos included).

 

                                                                                                                       

Course Requirements:

 

Required Textbook(s) and Other Materials: Billstein, Libeskind and Lott, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (10th Edition), (Pearson Education, Inc, New York, 2009).  Students are required to purchase a MyMathLab access code (comes bundled with a new textbook).  Students may choose not to purchase a hard copy of the book, an electronic copy of the sections of the book for this course is contained in the MyMathLab course site as well as many supplemental resources.  You can purchase an Access Code at the DSU bookstore or online at www.coursecompass.com (the advantage of purchasing online is that in the unlikely event you drop or withdraw from the course there is an avenue to get a refund as explained under the Student section of Getting Started at www.coursecompass.com).  Note, if you have already taken Math 341 or Math 342 (using the 10th edition of the text) you may not need to buy an Access Code, check to see if your access code is still valid by following the instructions under Getting Started for multi-semester registrations at www.coursecompass.com.

 

 

Course ID:  avery68925 is the MyMathLab course id for Fall of 2009.

 

Getting Started with MyMathLab:  Go to the CourseCompass website (powers MyMathLab) at www.coursecompass.com and under the students section (bottom left portion of the screen) you will see instructions for: How to Register, How to buy Access, Getting Started as well as Take a Tour.  Go to the MyMathLab settings file in the Desire2Learn site for instructions on setting your Internet Explorer settings to avoid turning off your pop up blockers.  In addition there are MyMathLab registration and navigation instructions on the D2L site for the course.

 

 

Selected Bibliography:

        • R. Brualdi, Introductory Combinatorics (North-Holland, New York, 1992).
        • COMAP, For All Practical Purposes (W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 1994).
        • D.Devine et al, Elementary Mathematics For Teachers (John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1991).
        • M.Dugopolski, Intermediate Algebra (Addison Wesley, Massachusetts, 1996).
        • G. Musser et al, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2000).
        • P. O'Daffer et al, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (Addison Wesley, Massachusetts, 2002).
        • L.Schmidt et al, College Algebra (Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1996).

 

 

            University Deadlines:

 

            Add/Drop Deadline (Census Day): September 10th is the last day to add this course or drop this course and receive 100% refund. 

 

            Withdraw Deadline: November 16th is the last day to withdraw from this course and receive a grade of “W”.

 

            DSU Student Information and Help Links:

 

Student Handbook: http://www.departments.dsu.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/

DSU Catalogs: http://www.departments.dsu.edu/registrar/catalog/

DSU Student Resources Center: http://www.support.dsu.edu/

 

MyMathLab Support:

 

MyMathLab Online Support: http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com/ (click on the Ask a Question Tab)

MyMathLab Phone Support:  1-800-677-6337

 

 

 

Course Goals:

      • Students will demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use arithmetic algorithms.
      • Students will use arithmetic algorithms to perform arithmetic operations in other number bases.
      • Students will demonstrate the concept of place value in other number base systems using dot models.
      • Students will model arithmetic operations using area, number line, and charge field models.
      • Students will categorize whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and real numbers by their respective closure properties.
      • Students will demonstrate number sense.  Students will give examples with supporting justifications of numbers that are in one set, but not another. 
      • Students will point out properties of subsets of real numbers under arithmetic operations, in particular closure.
      • Students will justify conclusions applying rules of logic.
      • Students will create diagrams illustrating set operations. Students will demonstrate knowledge of set operations.
      • Students will work with simple and compound interest.

 

 

 

Measurable Learning Objectives by Unit:  Questions on the exams in this course (in addition to homework and quizzes) assess the following core course objectives which have been organized by chapter below and are summarized in the course goals above.

 

Unit 1: Chapters 1, 2 and 3

 

Solve Problems using arithmetic sequences.

Solve Problems using geometric sequences.

Use indirect methods to solve problems.

Use symbolic forms of truth statements.

Use set and subset terminology.

Use Venn diagrams to solve problems.

Solve problems using addition and subtraction properties.

Solve problems using multiplication and division properties.

Solve problems involving numeration systems.

Solve problems involving addition and subtraction algorithms.

Solve problems involving multiplication and division algorithms.

Solve problems mentally and by using estimation techniques.

 

Unit 2: Chapters 4, 5, and 6

 

Assign variables then use them to represent quantities in problems.

Solve linear and quadratic equations.

Apply knowledge of functions to problems.

Combine functions using composition.

Solve problems using addition and subtraction of integers.

Solve problems using multiplication and division of integers.

Use rules of divisibility.

Solve problems involving prime and composite numbers.

Solve problems using the GCD and LCM.

Solve problems using clock and modular arithmetic.

Simplify fractions and rational expressions.

Solve applied problems.

Order fractions.

Add or subtract fractions.

Multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.

Convert between fractions and mixed numbers.

Work with exponents.

 

Unit 3:  Chapters 7 and 8

 

Use decimal notation.

Convert between fractions and decimals.

Use rounding and estimation with decimals.

Convert between scientific and standard notation.

Solve problems involving nonterminating decimals.

Understand real numbers.

Solve problems involving percent.

Solve basic proportion problems.

Solve interest problems.

Use and apply percentages.

 

 

Evaluation Procedures: Course grade will be based on the following percentages:

 

MyMathLab Quizzes              25%

                                                            MyMathLab HW                    25%

                                                            Unit 1 Exam                            15%   

                                                            Unit 2 Exam                            20%

                                                            Final Exam                              15%

                                                Total                                       100 %

 

 

 

Each standard quiz has a weight of three times that of an M-quiz (in the quiz category of MyMathLab, each standard quiz, a standard quiz doesn’t have an M after the Q,  has a weight of three points and each M-quiz has a weight of one point – note the points in other categories of MyMathLab are not equal).  Sample exams have a weight of zero, they have no impact on your grade.  Take the sample exams as many times as you would like at any time during the course to help you prepare for your exam.  Your actual exam will have the same types of problems as your sample exam (not as many questions).  Your grade will be calculated in MyMathLab (I must submit zeros for assignments that you don’t complete for whatever reason at the end of each unit, so provided you have completed your assessments your grade is up to date) and at the end of the semester 1% is added to your truncated percent average (so for example if your percent average is 79.2% then it truncates to 79% then add 1% to bring it to 80%) then the following grade scale is applied:

 

                                                                                    A         90%-100%

                                                                                    B         80%-89%

                                                                                    C         70%-79%

                                                                                    D         60%-69%

                                                                                    F          < 60%

 

Students near a cutoff may receive the higher grade at the discretion of the instructor.

 

 

Classroom Policies:

 

Class Attendance-Completion Policy: Students are expected to meet the online deadlines for assessments set in MyMathLab. 

                            

Homework Completion Policy: Students are expected to complete assignments by the deadlines set in MyMathLab and there will be no make-up opportunities for missed homework and quizzes.  Students must meet the prerequisite homework score to take that sections quiz (for example Q 3.2) which contains just a few questions (sometimes just one) from that sections homework.  Some quizzes can be taken more than once in which case the highest achieved score is used in the evaluation procedure.  Take the quizzes anytime you are ready to take them once you have met the prerequisite (quizzes do not need to be proctored, they are done outside of the classroom).

 

Cheating & plagiarism Policy: Academic dishonesty includes giving, receiving or using unauthorized aid on any academic work. The definition of academic dishonesty and the procedure for handling it are described in detail in the current version of the student handbook.  You should read and understand this material.  You will be allowed to use any handwritten notes during the exams as well as anything you have saved on your computer, however you are not allowed to use any communication tools during an exam (that means no email, no networking sites like facebook, no phones – turn off your cell phone or leave with your proctor, …).  You will  not receive credit (zero) if you are caught using communication tools during an exam or using unauthorized aid during an exam of any form.

 

Make-up Policy: There will be no make up opportunities for missed quizzes or homework assignments, you must meet the deadlines set in MyMathLab (all homework and quizzes leading up to an exam have the same deadline as the exam, these are listed in MyMathLab).  In the case of an excusable extended illness/absence during the semester contact the instructor to make arrangements for completing the course.

 

ADA Statement:  If you have a documented disability and/or anticipate needing accommodations (e.g., non-standard note taking, test modifications) in this course, please arrange to meet with the instructor. Also, please contact Dakota State University’s ADA coordinator, Keith Bundy in the Student Development Office located in the Trojan Center Underground or at 256-5121, as soon as possible. The DSU website containing additional information, along with the form to request accommodations is http://www.departments.dsu.edu/disability_services/. You will need to provide documentation of your disability. The ADA coordinator must confirm the need for accommodations before officially authorizing them.  

 

Freedom in Learning Statement:  Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study.  It has always been the policy of Dakota State University to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative, and staff members and the decisions of institutional committees.  Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should contact the dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

University Policy Regarding the Use of Tablets in the Classroom:  The Tablet PC platform has been adopted across the DSU campus for all students and faculty, and tablet usage has been integrated into all DSU classes to enhance the learning environment. Tablet usage for course-related activities, note taking, and research is allowed and encouraged by DSU instructors.  However, inappropriate and distracting use will not be tolerated in the classroom.  Instructors set policy for individual classes and are responsible for informing students of class-specific expectations relative to Tablet PC usage. Failure to follow the instructor’s guidelines will hinder academic performance and may lead to disciplinary actions. Continued abuse may lead to increased tablet restrictions for the entire class.

Because tablet technology is an integral part of this course, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that his/her tablet PC is operational prior to the beginning of each class period. 

 

The Professor reserves the right to modify this course syllabus to better meet student needs.

 

COURSE OUTLINE 

 

UNIT 1:  Chapters 1, 2 and 3 - Unit 1 exam

 

Unit 1 exam, tentatively scheduled for October 5th

 

UNIT 2:  Chapters 4, 5 and 6 - Unit 2 exam

 

Unit 2 exam, tentatively scheduled for November 13th13 13th

 

UNIT 3:  Chapters 7 and 8 - Unit 3 exam

 

            Unit 3 exam, December 14th

 

                                                                                               

 

Note: the exams are not cumulative!  Follow the course outline in MyMathLab when completing the MyMathLab homework and quizzes.