MATH

CONCEPTS

SPRING 2008

This is the place to begin the math journey for many reasons. Some students are here because they have forgotten so much; some come because they never quite got it in the first place; some will be here because it’s been a long time and it seems like a good idea to start at the beginning. Whatever your reason, welcome to Math 201.

We will work hard; the goal is UNDERSTANDING. This course focuses on number concepts, fractions, decimals and percents. It will probably be unlike any other math course you have taken. Instead of learning recipes or memorizing rules, we will work toward putting ideas together so that they make sense. If it makes sense, you don’t need to memorize rules.

Assumed Knowledge

Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and your multiplication facts!

Required Texts and Materials: bring each day

• Basic College Mathematics, K. Elayn Martin-Gay, 3rd Edition, 2006, Prentice Hall
• Hit the Books, Study Skills Guide, L. Erreca, 6th Edition, 2006, San Diego Community College District
• Calculator with a square root key [Scientific Calculator Recommended]
• Graph Paper (4 or 5 squares per inch) Engineering Paper recommended
• Pencil, Erasable Blue or Black Pen, AND a Ruler with Inches and Centimeters

Grading

Homework, Quizzes, Class Participation 20% Note: If your grade on the final is better

Tests, Projects and Presentations 50% than one of your test grades, I will

Comprehensive Final Examination 30% change the lowest test grade to be

100% the same as the final exam grade.

Ø There will be no late work accepted and no make up tests (missing one exam significantly impacts your course grade).

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism: It is the philosophy of Columbia College that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the conventions of citation by which you indicate which ideas are not your own and how your reader can find those sources. Refer to your student handbook.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, you, the student will be able to:

§ Add, subtract, multiply and divide with fractions and decimals

§ Identify patterns and represent them symbolically

§ Determine place value using rational numbers

§ Identify cue words or phrases for +, -, x,

§ Justify appropriate uses for +, -, x,

§ Identify prime and composite numbers and apply methods of prime factorization

§ Diagram visual approaches to fractions

• Utilize problem-solving techniques to solve applications based on real world data
• Contrast fractions and decimals both verbally, visually and in narrative form
• Define and apply the term “percent” to decimals
• Determine ratios and apply equal fraction concepts to proportions
• Demonstrate solutions to a proportion in a step by step manner
• Define and convert U.S. and Metric Systems of Measurement
• Compute and apply geometric concepts of perimeter, area and volume
• Identify and apply common measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Apply estimation techniques to consider reasonableness of solutions

Student Responsibilities

This class is activity oriented and requires your participation. Take an active role each class session by arriving on time (or a little earlier), bringing an organized notebook with support materials, asking relevant questions, labeling class notes and performing homework tasks on time. If you miss four class sessions, I may drop you from the class for nonattendance. Do not, however, assume that I will drop you. If you do not want to be responsible for a grade, make sure you submit a drop slip to the Admissions and Records office.

Go the extra mile in your course preparation by advocating for yourself

v Schedule extra time to study with a classmate, tutor or teacher in the Math Center (Juniper 5).

v Use a math tutor successfully by signing up for appointments in the Academic Achievement Center

v Join peer assisted study sessions called Supplemental Instruction.

v Utilize CD Lecture Series that are content specific. A close-captioned option for the hearing impaired is provided. Labs are located in Juniper 5, Fir and Manzanita 18.

v Attend supplemental workshops for your math course (check for times in the weekly bulletin).

v Make appointments with Karin

NOTE: For students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological in nature, who believe that they may need special accommodations in this class, I encourage you to discuss options with me within the first 10 days of instruction. Contact DSPS at 588-5130 for special testing and/or support services.

Expectations and success

Please be aware that most students in this class are uneasy with the idea of stepping on the math wagon. Pay special attention to courtesy and respect for yourselves and others; it makes a big difference. Anyone who can get through this class without misunderstanding or making mistakes is in the wrong class. Expect to make mistakes sometimes; expect your classmates to make mistakes sometimes, too. Exhibit empathy for your classmates and make the choice to use any feelings of failure as a motivator for success!

I know you can master the material for this course. Be here every day, on time and participate with all of your attention. It may not have seemed like it before, but math makes sense. We need to focus on seeing the connections in order to be sure it makes sense to you. Here’s to an excellent Spring Semester!

THE FINAL EXAM FOR THIS CLASS WILL BE MONDAY, April 21, 8 - 10 AM