Math 210A: Concepts of Elementary School Mathematics I           Semester: Spring 2009 

Instructor: Jill Kitzmiller       Telephone: 619- 594 – 5711(SDSU)                                                                            Office: H-208            Office Hours: T/Th 5:10 – 5:30 or 6:50- 7:20 by appointment                                             E-Mail: jkitzmil@sdccd.edu               Web site:  http://faculty.palomar.edu/jkitzmiller/

Book and supplies:  Reconceptualizing Mathematics: Preliminary Edition by Sowder and Instructional packet for Math 210A (available at KB books), and calculator (if desired, but not allowed for use on tests).  Manipulatives will be supplied for class work, you may choose to purchase/make versions for your own use.  

Website: Please bookmark the website above for use throughout the semester.  The website contains information relevant to this course, including copies of the syllabus and schedule and problem logs.  Also there are copies of my  handouts not included in your packet.  If you are absent for any reason, please print your own copies of any handouts missed.  Exam keys will also be posted after each exam is graded.   The main page of the website also contains an article on how the brain learns mathematics, which may be informative/helpful for yourself or your students.

Course Description: This course is a study of the mathematical concepts needed for teaching elementary school mathematics with emphasis on number and function. This course promotes an appreciation of the importance of logical thinking and applications of mathematics in problem solving and critical thinking.  It studies the basic computational skills, but also requires the understanding and explanation of the basic mathematical concepts and the connections between them. It is designed especially for students preparing for credentials in elementary education.  Analytical reading and problem solving are required for success in this course.

Teaching elementary school children is a great responsibility. You will be shaping the citizens of the future. Hence it is vital that you be prepared for this very rewarding, though challenging position. To ensure you have the necessary background and materials to successfully teach mathematics in your classroom, the Math Department at Mesa College has developed the curriculum for Math 210A, 210B, and 212. Note that the courses are entitled “Concepts of Elementary School Mathematics” not “Elementary School Mathematics”. Students are expected to be proficient in the arithmetic of real numbers (including fractions, decimals, and percents) as well as basic geometry and geometric formulas before they begin these classes.  The instructors will be facilitators of your learning by encouraging you to explore        the ‘why’ behind the many rules and algorithms you have learned. Unlike previous math courses, the student is expected to struggle with concepts so as to reach a deeper understanding and be able to make connections between concepts. The student will be expected to communicate this deeper understanding both verbally and with written explanations including the use of diagrams and sketches. The high expectations for the student are intended to prepare you for the elementary classroom. Completions of the minimum requirements for the course will not ensure an A.

Student Learning Outcomes:                                                                                                                             Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:                                                                            1. Analyze the structure and operations of various place-value systems.                                                                        2. Analyze the structure and operations of integers.                                                                                                         3. Model rational fractions and decimal fractions using manipulatives and their arithmetic operations.                             4. Explain the place of decimals, percents and irrational numbers in the real number system and use them to solve problems.                                                                                                                                                                    5. Use the properties of the different number systems and their relationship to standard and non-standard algorithms in solving problems.                                                                                                                                                           6. Categorize different number patterns, including linear and quadratic, and represent them with various methods.            7. Solve non-traditional word problems and explain your reasoning8. Apply number theory concepts to solve problems.

Prerequisite:  MATH 096 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent. or Assessment Skill Level M50 

Advisory:  ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent  

Attendance Requirements: It is the student’s responsibility to add, drop, or withdraw from this class before the appropriate deadlines.  You may (or may not) be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance if you miss two consecutive class meetings or more than 3 class periods.  If you decide to withdraw from this class, please let me know as a courtesy.  Check the course catalog for drop deadlines.  If you fail to withdraw from this course before the deadline, you will be assigned a final grade in the course (even if you stop coming).  Regular class attendance is necessary for success in this course.  You are responsible for all material covered in class during your absence.

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 (no headphones in class), 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

Academic Accommodation:  Any student who may need academic accommodation should discuss the situation with me during the first week of class.

Incomplete: To receive a final grade of incomplete, you must be passing the class and be unable to take the final exam.

Evaluation: Please refer to the attached tentative schedule for details on important dates such as dates of tests, assignment due dates and the sections that will be covered in the text and the worksheets that will be needed for class each day.  The following is the list of requirements, ways to earn points, and breakdown of the final course grade.

  1. There will be a skills test (no calculator allowed) that all students must pass to pass the course.  There will be no points for passing the skills test.  It must be passed with 80% correct before the end of the semester.  There will be one opportunity to take the test during class, if you do not pass it at that time, you must make arrangements with me to take it before or after class.  There is a sample skills test attached.
  1. There will be worksheets from the instructional packet, as well as some handed out by me in class, that we will do together in class.  Any work assigned, but not completed in class is considered homework.  Any additional problems assigned in class or from the text, or any reading assigned in class is also considered homework.  There is a suggested homework list to study from included for each exam (see attached sheet).  It is strongly recommended that you complete all homework and reading assigned in class.  I will be reviewing many of the answers to the homework in class.  Most of the problems on the list are items we will have done in class.  Many exam problems are similar to homework problems.  There are no points given for class work or homework.
  1. There will be 5 tests worth 75 points each.  The lowest test score will be dropped.  Because of this, there are no make-up tests.  If you receive a 90% (67.5 points) or greater on all five tests, you will be exempt from the final (as long as the portfolio is turned in and all other requirements are met).
  1. There will be 5 problem logs worth 20 points each.  These are non-traditional problems that will require detailed explanations.  The log problems are listed on the website.  You may work together on solving problem logs, but each person must write up and turn in their own work.  A problem log that is turned in late will be penalized 5 points off per class meeting late.  No problem log will be accepted after graded work is returned in class.  (See attached sheet for details and schedule for due dates).
  1. There will be a portfolio due at the end of the semester worth 50 points.  This will include examples of your work and reflections on what you have learned during the semester.  (See attached sheet for details and schedule for due date).
  1. There will be one comprehensive final exam worth 75 points.  Students taking the final must receive a minimum grade of 60% on the final to pass the course.  
  1. This gives a total of 525 points possible.  The grade breakdown is as follows:

473 – 525 = A       420 – 472 = B       368 – 419 = C       315 – 367 = D                                                       314 or below = F   (or below 45 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.