MATH 311 – Spring 2008
Instructor: Jill Kitzmiller
Office Hours:
MW 10 – 11, TTH 9 – 9:30 (or by appointment)
Office: GMCS 588
Telephone: (619) 594 – 5711 e-mail: jillkitzmiller@yahoo.com
Web site: http://faculty.palomar.edu/jkitzmiller/
Math 311 continues the Liberal Studies major’s treatment of elementary school mathematics from the advanced viewpoint of the teacher. The prerequisite is Math 210, Math 211, and placement on the LS test. Like those courses, Math 311 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. Math 311, as other courses in math education, is designed to make you think about the problem, not just how to do it. As a teacher you should not only be able to solve mathematical problems, but be able to explain why your methods of solution make sense. Hence the course involves giving explanations, not just final answers.
Math 311 focuses on a conceptual study of probability and statistics. While the focus of the course includes the study of probability and statistical methods, students will not be required to memorize many of the complex formulas for finding probabilities or for statistical analysis. You will be required to learn some formulas for probability and complete certain statistical procedures, learn to interpret data in a variety of ways, perform statistical computations and read and create graphs. The primary goal is to provide teachers with the background they need to teach the many statistical and chance ideas now found in elementary curriculum, as well as providing the background they will need as professional educators. 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.
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: Math 311 Lecture Notes (under Math Committee in Aztec Bookstore)
An inexpensive calculator with square root function will be required.
EXAMINATIONS: There will be one in-class lab with write-up (25 points), four in class exams (100 points each) and one comprehensive final examination (100 points). Plan now to be in class on the exam dates listed and the day of the candy-lab. There are no make-ups on exams, unless arranged with the instructor in advance.
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. No homework is collected or graded.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION: Any student who may need academic accommodation should discuss the situation with me during the first week of class.
DROPS: You are responsible for dropping this course. You will not be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance.
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 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. Cheating on the final will result in a course grade of “F”.
GRADING: To receive a passing grade of “C” or better, you must receive a 60 points or better grade on the final exam AND have a 367 points or more based on:
Lab 25 points
Exams 400 points
Final
100 points
Total points 525 points
To be assured the following grades, you need to earn these points:
483 – 525 = A 430 – 461 = B 367 – 408 = C 325 – 357 = D
472 – 482 = A- 420 – 429 = B- 315 – 324 = D-
462 – 471 = B+ 409 – 419 = C+ 357 – 366 = D+ 314 and below = F
(or less than 60 points 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.