MATH 313 – Summer 2009
Instructor: Jill Kitzmiller
Office: GMCS 588
Office Hours: M-Th 9:40-10, MW 12-1 (or by appointment before class)
Telephone: (619) 594 – 5711 (voicemail)
E-mail: jillkitzmiller@yahoo.com Web site: http://faculty.palomar.edu/jkitzmiller/
Math 313 concludes the Liberal Studies major’s treatment of elementary school mathematics from the advanced viewpoint of the teacher. The prerequisite is MATH 311 (and therefore Math 210, Math 211, and placement on the LS test). Like those courses, Math 313 is NOT a methods course, although the topics and their treatment are motivated by the elementary mathematics curriculum and the state and national teaching/learning trends and recommendations. At the end of this course you should have a reinforced and sophisticated understanding of what some parts of school mathematics involve, and if you reflect on your own learning, how people learn mathematics.
Math 313 was conceived as a capstone course, to draw together and extend your earlier work in 210, 211, and 311. The focus of the course is on selected topics from algebra, number theory, and transformational geometry. Problem solving will play a role in class discussions and homework problems, and is the focus that ties all these topics together.
You will be regarded as a person planning to become an elementary school teacher. If you do not plan to teach, assume you are a parent interested in your child’s schooling. Although many people like mathematics, it is not everyone’s favorite subject. It is, however, a subject taught every day in the elementary school, so teachers (and parents) should have a willingness to learn and a positive attitude about mathematics.
Every theory of leaning assumes that the learner is engaged. Engagement means much more than coming to class and dutifully copying from the chalkboard. Learning comes form your active mental involvement and reflecting on what you have encountered. It does not happen automatically. Strive to understand, not just memorize and imitate.
TEXT: Reconceptualizing Mathematics - Part 2: Reasoning About Algebra and Change; Sowder
A ruler and protractor are required and inexpensive calculator may be useful, although most of the course emphasizes number and operational sense and a calculator will not be allowed. Calculators are not allowed for quizzes and tests unless otherwise noted.
EVALUATION: There will be five in class exams and one comprehensive final examination, each worth 100 points. Your lowest exam score will be dropped. There are no make-up exams. If you cannot take a scheduled exam, that will be the score that is dropped. If you have an score of 90 or better on all six exams before the final and have turned in all work, you do not need to take the final exam. All others must take the final exam.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION: Any student who may need academic accommodation should discuss the situation with me during the first week of class.
CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR: I will be available during office hours for personal discussion. I endeavor to listen to voice-mail and look at email once a day when I am on campus. I DO NOT look at email on the weekends (Friday- Sunday) or on holidays. I do not respond to email regarding absences, unless it is long term. I do not discuss grades over email, this must be done in person.
DROPS: You are responsible for dropping this course. You will not be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance.
WEBSITE: The website contains copies of all handouts for each section of the course materials. These include all worksheets done in class as well as more complete answers for the homework assigned (some homework problems still do not contain complete answers or explanations). If you are absent for any reason, please print your own copies of any handouts missed. All review materials for exams is posted on my website, and exam keys will be posted after each exam is graded. The main page for the website also contains an article on how the brain learns mathematics and how to reduce math anxiety, which may be informative/helpful for yourself or your students.
HOMEWORK: It is expected that you do the homework problems suggested. Some of the problems will be reviewed in class, but it is recommended that you find a study partner to work with and complete all problems assigned in class. Partial answers to some of the problems are in the back of the book. There are also supplementary problems for most sections of the book in Appendix C in the book if you need extra practice. No homework is collected or graded.
BEHAVIOR: You will be asked to leave the class for one or two class meetings if you exhibit behavior that prohibits or impedes any member of this class from pursuing any class assignment objective or learning opportunity within the classroom. Please be courteous of others, try to be on time, turn off your cell phone, ipod, computer or other electronic devices, and avoid talking during lectures. It is assumed that each student will do his/her own work. If a student is caught cheating on a test, that student will receive a “0” grade on that exam and the score will not be dropped.
GRADING: To receive a passing grade of “C” or better, you must receive 60 points or more on the final exam AND have a 70% or higher average based on the following:
Exams (1 drop) 400 points
Final 100 points
Total 500 points
To be assured the following grades, you need to earn:
92% and above = A 82 - 87.9% = B 70 - 77.9% = C 62 - 67.9% = D
90 - 91.9% = A- 80 - 81.9% = B- 60 - 61.9% = D-
88 - 89.9% = B+ 78 - 79.9% = C+ 68 - 69.9% = D+ 59.9% and below = F
(or less than 60 on final)
Attendance, class participation and a subjective instructor’s interpretation of work may be used in assigning a final grade to borderline cases.
INCOMPLETE: To receive a final grade of incomplete, you must be passing the class and be unable to take the final exam.