College Algebra  Wtr Quarter 2004   

Mat 10510, CRN 14582    TTh 1-2:50 pm Bldg-Rm  3-214

 

This class uses technology and alternative teaching, learning and assessment practices.
 

Prerequisite:  Passing MDTP score or C or better in Mat 12 within two quarters.

                 There are no audits.
 

Dr. V. M. Smith

Office 8-152, Phone:(909) 869-3465

email:  vmsmith@csupomona.edu

URL:    http://www.csupomona.edu/~vmsmith
 

Office Hours:

If I am not here, please check the math lab 8-147, or, if near the end of a class, the hallway by that classroom.

Also, if these hours are not convenient for you, please see me to make an appointment at another time.

  

MW

   01:00-02:00 pm

   04:00-04:30 pm

  

TTh

   03:00-04:00 pm

  

Texts:  Fundamentals of College Algebra, Swokowski/Cole and 10th Ed. Recommended: Sol Manual

Materials required:  These materials are required to be brought with you to each class

  i.  Text                                                    

 ii.  Graphing Calculator min TI86 capabilities

iii.  A loose-leaf notebook or other binder in which to keep your work.

The aim for all tests, quizzes and activities, etc. is to help you learn the material.

      You are held accountable for all work assigned whether or not it is discussed in class.

      There are no make-ups and no work will be accepted late for credit. There are weekly quizzes on the homework and SAQ's may be given at any time.  There are no make-ups to any quiz, test or other in class work.  I expect that you to be in class to take them.

      The Final exam score is multiplied to make up for any missed hour assessments. Your two lowest quiz scores will be not be counted into your quiz average. Come to office hours to go over any work you missed, do not understand or otherwise would like to discuss.

Your course letter Grade is determined by me based on the following percentages and a holistic assessment of your mastery of the course material by the end of the quarter. You should allow for an absolute minimum of four hours-concentrated study out of class for each hour we have in class.

Attendance and Class participation

 15%

  

Homework

 15%

  

Quizzes, SAQ's

 20%

  

Hour Exams:

 30%

Comprehensive.

Final:

 20%

Accumulative.
 

100%

  

Percentages are out of the total possible accumulation of points. I reserve the right to override your point score if warranted by your mastery of the material as determined by me at the end of the quarter. Accordingly, you are invited to discuss your grade or any other class concern you have with me at any time. Please do not wait until the end of the quarter or I have to ask you to come talk to me to get help.

You are responsible for the information contained in the online Syllabus and in the detailed statements of my Grading Policy and Model of a Good Learner/Teacher.  These are on my web site at the URL given above. In particular, you should note the courtesy and break time rules under Class Conduct and Procedures. More specifically, courtesy is expected from everyone at all times, meaning that you do not talk, rustle papers or otherwise distract anybody else from being able to pay full attention to whomever has the floor.

Final Exams  

49101  MW  02:00-03:50 pm   CRN 11114       Mon      Mar 15, 2004   01:40 pm - 03:40 pm

10510  TTh 01:00-02:50 pm    CRN 14582       Thu       Mar 18, 2004   11:30 pm - 01:30 pm

Homework Instructions

á       Homework is to be written on one side of the paper only with spaces left for those problems you didn't finish by the due date. Freely draw diagrams, sketch pictures, label graphs especially the origin, show the axes with arrows and all points of important, such as intercepts, etc.

á       Staple and fold homework papers lengthwise. Print your name and date on the outside top when holding the fold in your left hand.

á       Late work will be marked as having been turned in. Work that is not turned in or only cursorily complete receives no credit.

á       It is to your advantage to use the back of your papers to correct, comment on or redo your work if you do not have enough room on the front side.  Research proves that taking the time to go over and annotate your notes is perhaps the best learning tool you have.

á       You are responsible for your own learning and are encouraged to work in groups as much as possible to meet your learning goal.

General Class Agenda.:     

        i. You are to read the Chapter/Section BEFORE it is discussed in class. Your preparedness counts toward your class participation score.

       ii. You put our today's homework problem on the board and answer any questions any student or I may ask.  The next meeting's quiz is focused on today's homework and may include any previous work covered.

Grading and Class Conduct/Procedures Statements:  

You are held to the expectations contained in the detailed statements of my Grading Policy, Class Conduct and Procedures and the Models of Good Learner statements on my web site (URL: http://www.csupomona.edu/~vmsmith).

Three statements from the Class Conduct and Procedures Statement are excerpted here.

     1.  Nobody talks, rustles papers or otherwise makes noise when anybody else is speaking.

     3.  Everybody goes out, at least out the door during break.

   10.  A letter grade of "F" shall be recorded for the course for any breach of integrity   (colloquially, cheating).

Scoring for assessment purposes is usually by tally credit explained as follows:

 ab

 ex

0

0 pts

á       Absent or excused; work is turned in with insufficient evidence to receive credit for the assignment. You are responsible for mastering all concepts and skills covered whether or not you are in attendance on any particular day.

 Edit  

1 pt

á       Understanding as expressed or performance (skill level) needs improvement.

á       Minimal attention or negative attitude is displayed in class or group work.

2 pts

á       Understanding as expressed indicates the need for additional study;

á       Participation in class or group work is sporadic

Ck

  3 pts

á       Understanding as expressed indicates an inquiring approach to problem solving.  Concepts are understood sufficiently to be able to communicate them to others both orally and in writing.

á       Critiques fellow studentsÕ ideas in a clear and friendly manner and satisfactorily contributes to solutions of group assignments.

  4 pts

á       Work shown exhibits an inherent understanding of the material, but communication is vague or more skill is required to apply concepts in a timely manner.

á       Is thoughtful and effective in helping fellow truly classmates understand the material so they are able to do the rest of the problems on their own.

Five

5 pts

á       Solutions are distinctly communicated and articulated in mathematical terms.  Readily generalizes and applies concepts to problems that extend these concepts beyond the verbatim examples given in the book in a timely manner.

á       Readily shares thoughts with and contributes to the learning of others in both class and group work.

Periodically check your scores on the class WebCT if available to be sure that your records agree with mine. You access the class WebCT as follows:           Open web browser to the Cal Poly Homepage

                  Go to Online Resources

                  Go to WebCT and click on "My WebCT" when you get there.

                  Your Cal Poly e-mail ID is your default password.  You are encouraged to change this password by following the online instructions as to how to do so.