Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

MATH-0304-098 Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 0302-minimum grade of C or TSIM score of 336 and TSIR score of 347

Course Description

Topics include: numeracy; probability and statistics; evaluating expressions and formulas; rates, ratios and proportions; percentages; reasoning skills; solving equations; linear models; interpreting data including graphs and tables; verbal and exponential models.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Dave Sobecki & Brian Mercer, Pathways to Math Literacy, McGraw-Hill, ISBN  9781260052299

Supplies

• Pathways to Math Literacy, online code for course, 1 ½ inch or larger 3-ring binder
• Graphing Calculator, (TI 83/TI-84 will be used by instructor.  No calculators with logic or factoring capabilities, i.e.,TI 89)
• Access to Word and Excel (Available in Outreach Center)
• Minimum of 5 dividers
• Flash drive
• Access to printer (printer available in the Outreach Center with purchase of pre-paid copy card)
• AC ID
• Notebook paper-minimum of 150 sheets
• Graph paper-minimum of 20 sheets
• Pencils, erasers, a ruler or straightedge

Student Performance

The course supports students in developing skills, strategies, and reasoning needed to succeed in mathematics, including communication and appropriate use of technology. Topics include the study of numeracy and the real number system; algebraic concepts, notation, and reasoning; quantitative relationships; mathematical models; and problem solving.

 

• Use appropriate symbolic notation and vocabulary to communicate, interpret, and explain mathematical concepts.
• Define, represent, and perform operations on real numbers, apply numeric reasoning to investigate and describe quantitative relationships and solve real world problems in a variety of contexts.
• Use algebraic reasoning to solve problems that require ratios, rates, percentages, and proportions to solve problems in a variety of contexts using multiple representations.
• Apply algebraic reasoning to manipulate expressions and equations to solve real world problems.
• Use graphs, tables, and technology to analyze, interpret, and compare data sets.
• Construct and use mathematical models in verbal, algebraic, graphical, and tabular form to solve problems from a variety of contexts and to make predictions and decisions.

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

ACADEMIC HONESTY:  Unethical conduct during this class will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.  It is considered “cheating” if you use any app that does the math work for you or gives you the answers when testing, or when completing assignments for this class. It will become apparent during the course of the class if you have been using inappropriate technology to complete assignments at home.  You are only cheating yourself if you cheat on the work at home.  This class is set up so that 50% of your grade comes from the midterm and final exams that are taken in a proctored/testing center setting.  It will be highly unlikely that you will be able to pass without passing these two exams.  I hope you will proceed through the class with honesty and integrity. Scholastic dishonesty is clearly defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilites.  You are expected to conduct yourself in this course according to the standards outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilites. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS: You will be expected to follow proper online etiquette in discussion postings, chats and emails.  In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. CONSISTENT EFFORT: One of the main causes for students not being successful in an online class is lack of a consistent effort.  There is a temptation to put things off until the last minute.  Please do not so that with this course.  There is a great deal of work to be done and the best way to complete it is to work at a steady pace. PHONE/PAGER:  It is the policy of the Mathematics Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in silent mode in the Math Testing Center.  Cell phones may not be visible during testing at all. Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy Food and drinks are allowed in the Outreach Center (Durrett 104). Only drinks are allowed in the Math Testing Center (Durrett 103). Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the classrooms, Outreach Center, and the Math Testing Center. Cell phone calculators may not be used at any time. Any devices requiring headphones are not allowed in the Math Testing Center.

Grading Criteria

 

Course Philosophy:  This course will feel different from traditional math courses, because it is taught in a group format.  Too often our previous experiences with mathematics have caused us to focus on memorization and mimicking procedures.  But real mathematics includes so much more—all the thinking that leads up to those steps.  We chose a group-based inquiry format to develop two main goals.

1. Deeper Understanding.  Lecture encourages memorizing procedures without understanding the concepts.  To learn on a deeper level, you must actively participate in the learning process.  It takes times, practice, and a commitment to developing understanding.  Instead of lecturing, in this class the instructor teaches by giving students the space to think and discuss, then providing personalized guidance when it is needed.  You will probably find that you actually get MORE of my help than you ever would in a lecture class.
2. Problem Solving.  Employers aren’t interested in whether you can memorize how to solve a specific type of equation.  They need people who can work in teams to figure out how to solve problems that haven’t been solved.  This course is designed to help students learn how to do that.

Technology: In addition, using technology effectively is another important component of this class.  Digital skills are highly sought after by employers. Competency with Excel is a basic, but very desirable, digital skill that we work on in this class.  Working in Excel also provides a way to develop key mathematical concepts by applying them in a useful, real-life context.

Daily Responsibilities:  Work on this class at least a little bit every day, attempt to see value in the mathematics we examine, know why you are here, show you care, and try your best.  To advance to the next course (Statistics or Contemporary Math), you must EARN a C or better in this course.  You will be expected to work hard on the notes in class,discuss with the class, and keep up with the assigned homework.  As much as possible, seek solutions to any homework problems for which you may have questions.  You may see me in my office for additional help during office hours or by appointment.  You may also receive help from the Outreach Center, Durrett 104.

Graded Course Components:

Homework:  At the end of each lesson, there is a Portfolio page that outlines the homework for that lesson.  Each homework assignment has four portions:  Technology, Skills, Applications, and Reflections.

• Technology questions use technology to explore or apply the concepts from class.  They should be typed into Word or Excel (see instructions for each assignment).  Upload your file in Blackboard.
• Connect assignments can be accessed through the Connect link in Blackboard.  You may retake Lesson assignments and Unit reviews as many times as you want to improve your score, and I will count the highest.  Show your work on notebook paper and deep it in your Notebook.

  • Username:___________________________________________  Password:_____________________________________________

• Reflection questions give you an opportunity to reflect on the main ideas from the lesson, and allow me to see if you are understanding the concepts. I will have you discuss one or more Reflection question on a discussion board.  You must post your answer first, then comment on at least one other person’s.

Group work and Class Participation: Included in this category are group projects and presentations, group exam reviews, attendance and participation, notebook check, and final portfolio assignment.

• Group projects and presentations (1-2 per semester will be assigned).  To receive credit, you will need to participate both in the research and development of the project.  You will grade each of your group members for their participation and contributions to the project.
• Discussion Board: You are required to post to each discussion board at least twice (but more is better). You should ask a question about the fill-in notes, answer someone else’s question, or post a comment/discussion relevant to the section’s assignments in the textbook.  Discussion board posts must be completed before you can see the book work solutions.
• Notebooks will be checked by your instructor for completion of assignments and organization at the end of the course.  This will allow you to find everything when you need it for reference or studying (and for the final notebook assignment), and will serve as a record of your hard work.
• Final notebook assignment will require you to search through your assignments to find examples of a variety of different types of problems.  It will be important to keep your notebook organized and work completed.  You will also be required to evaluate different skills learned. 

Grading:   10% Homework Technology Skills Applications Reflections Unit Review   15% Group work and Class Participation            Group projects and presentations Discussion Board Final notebook assignment   25% Online Unit Exams (3 exams)   25% Midterm Exam   25% Final Exam-comprehensive

Grading Scale:                        A     90-100%              B     80-80%              C     70-79%              D     60-69%              F     0-59%

 

Unit Tests--There will be 3 unit tests which will be taken online.  You are not allowed to use notes, homework, or the textbook while taking any Online Unit Test.  Each test may be taken ONE time.  Your attempt must be completed before the due date. There will be no makeup tests allowed. Any test not taken by the due date will receive a grade of zero.  Prior to testing, you will be required to complete an online test review and score a 70 or higher. 

Midterm and Final--You will be required to take a Midterm Exam and a Final Exam in the Math Testing Center on the Amarillo College Washington Street Campus or other preapproved site.  The Midterm will cover all the material in Modules 1-2.  The Final is comprehensive. Deadlines are published for both the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam on the Semester Schedule. The proctored test  will be 50% of your average.

You must present an Amarillo College ID to the Math Testing Center personnel in order to take the Midterm and Final.  You must bring a pencil and can use a basic function/scientific calculator on the Midterm and the Final.  You may NOT use a cell phone calculator nor have a cell phone out while taking tests in the Math Testing Center. You are responsible to read and follow the Math Testing Center rules stated below.

Students who live further than 60 miles from the Amarillo Washington Street Campus have the option of taking the Midterm Exam and Final Exam with a proctor at a local educational institution.  You must contact Gretta Johnson and make this request to test off-campus by the 5th day of class in order to have this option.  Please fill out a  proctor form (found in AC Connect on left side of home page of the class) for the tests that will be taken at another site. The student will be responsible for any proctoring fee incurred by other institutions.

 

Attendance

General Attendance Policy Regular attendance online is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Although on campus attendance is not required, students enrolled in this online class are required  to post discussions, check e-mails and do homework.  Students should expect to spend a minimum of 8 – 12 hours per week for this class.  You must log in at least 4 times a week and participate online in the course with daily deadlines.  You must also have the ability to be on the Amarillo College Campus at least two times to take a midterm and a final.  Withdrawal Policy You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in AC Connect under Self Service – click on Academic profile -- "Important Course Section Dates."   Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first.  Students may either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process.  If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect). Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed.  The Registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and instructor via AC email.

Calendar

Additional Information

MathTesting Center 371-5088 Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 10:00pm Last test will be handed out at 9:00pm Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm Outreach Center 371-5119 Monday - Thursday 8:00am – 8:00pm Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm Saturday 9:00am – 8:00pm   Math Testing Center General Rules Books can be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items. To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip. All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take a previous test. An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Math Testing Center.  No scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test, it is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Math Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time. In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor. The Math Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing. The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing. Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results. Tests and test questions may not be taken out of the Math Testing Center. The Math Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, in Blackboard, and in the Math Testing Center.  Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test. Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus. CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room.  If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!