MATH 215, Section 469 Spring 2012 Instructor: Melody Rashidian Class meets: COCS building, room 1512 on T – Th from 8:00 am– 9:25 am. Office Hours: 7:40- 8:00 am, room 1512. Texts: - Elementary Mathematics for Teachers, by Thomas Parker and Scott Baldrige - Primary mathematics Textbooks (U.S. Edition)-Primary Mathematics 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A and workbook 5A These books will be useful when you begin your teaching career. E--MAIL: [email protected] Website: www.csun.edu/~mr31841 My teaching philosophy focuses on meeting your needs during this course by providing a stimulation environment, building self-steam, open communication, and practicing a blend of independent and cooperative learning style. Course Objective: This course is a mathematics course devoted to elementary school mathematics. The main goal is to enable you to gain a solid knowledge of arithmetic and number systems. Additional goals of the course are to teach you: (i) how to present the material in the simplest, clearest way, (ii) the appropriate sequential order for developing mathematics skills, (iii) what elementary school students will find difficult and what errors they are likely to make, and (iv) how each topic helps advance the mathematical level of the students. CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION -- overview of the topics covered: Includes problem solving, functions, systems of numeration and number concepts; whole numbers, integers, rational and real numbers, together with their algorithms; use of manipulative; techniques/strategies employed by children to accomplish arithmetic tasks. For prospective elementary or junior high school teachers. Math 215 – Principles of Mathematics I Upon successful completion of Principles of Mathematics (math 215) the student will be able to: 1) Give clear explanation of both conceptual and procedural basis of arithmetic algorithms and apply then in several different ways as well as recognize them in various forms. 2) Students will be able to ue mathematical reasoning and mathematical “common sense” to analyze conceptual relationships and solve problems. 3) Use multiple representations (verbal, algebraic, graphical, physical)of problems and ideas and give clear indication of the connections between different representations (e.g. “Borrowing “ or “regrouping” using written notation and also manipulative.)4) Illustrate different representations of fractions (part-whole, ratio, measurement, and use them to solve problems. Attendance: - On time attendance is mandatory for this class. Roll will be taken at each meeting and you are responsible for being in class each time. On the rare occasion that you are late to class, enter the room quietly and find the seat nearest the door. Homework: There is a Homework Set for each section in the text and homework exercises will be assigned with every class. In addition, there will be a number of collected homework assignments. These will be graded and the problems will either be from the text or on a separate handout. It is extremely important to keep up with all assignments. Before the lecture, you may ask question regarding the homework exercises. Late homework will not be graded and will be counted as ZERO. No make-up homework. Exams: There will be 3 in-class examinations and a comprehensive common final on Tuesday, Dec. 13th, 8:00 am – 10:00 am. Calculators: Calculators will not be used for this class, and will not be allowed for exams. A successful elementary school teacher should be confident and comfortable solving problems mentally and on paper. One of the goals of this course is to increase those facilities. Tutoring: In addition to my office hours, free tutoring will be available for Math students from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, M– Th, Village 8402. Basic of Grading: You grade will be determined by: Component percentage Tests 20% each Collected HW 10% Final Exam 30% - You must get 90-100 overall to get a grade of A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D. - Less than 60% overall earns a grade of "F".Classroom Etiquette and Participation: - Cell phones, pagers and music players must be turned off during class at all times. Phones cannot be used during class (even as a calculator to check your answer). The questions should be addressed to me not to your classmates while lecture is in progress. There is a zero tolerance policy for disrespectful or disruptive behavior. - Neither food nor drink is allowed in the classroom with the exception of bottled water. - Any instance of cheating will be dealt with in accordance with Pierce College policies. You are expected to adhere to the Regulations and Policies listed in the Pierce College Catalog. - No guests are allowed in class. If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the office of special services in the student services building. Their number is (818) 719-6430. Cheating in this class is defined as knowingly or unknowingly participating in the submission of unoriginal work for any assignment, quiz, or test. If it is determined that a student has cheated in this class, I will send report to the VP of student services for disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion. In addition to sending the report, I’ll assign a non-replaceable fail grade for the assignment, quiz, or test and dismiss the students for the remainder of the class session. Last Day to Add classes in person with instructors signed add permit: Feb 20 Last Day to Drop without incurring fees: Feb 21 Last Day to Drop classes: May 6 Academic Assistance Here are some ideas that I have found help students do better in this class. Homework - Form a study group with your classmates. - Do homework everyday, even on weekends. - Start homework as soon as possible. Rewrite the problem being asked. Place a star (*) next to problems you need help with. Study Tips - Study every day for 1 -- 2 hours in a quiet room at home or in the library. - Review problems that were the most difficult and practice weak areas. - Read the textbook and create flash cards if needed. - Write outlines of each chapter including formulas and processes that you need to solve problems.Note-taking - Select colored pens or pencils to o Sketch a box around definitions, formulas or important concept. o Write a reminder note