Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

MATH-0304-001 Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: TSIM score of 336 or minimum grade of C in Math 0302 or AEMA-0001.</p>

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Dave Sobecki & Brian Mercer, Pathways to Math Literacy, McGraw-Hill, ISBN  9781260180664

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

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 are not 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.

Daily Responsibilities:  Attend class, 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 arrive on time, work hard on the notes in 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 will have opportunities to ask questions in class.  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.
• Skills homework in Connect (linked in Blackboard), will reinforce the basic skills needed to solve the problems from class.  You may retake this portion as many times as you want to improve your score, and I will count the highest. The skills problems from Connect must be worked on notebook paper (or graph paper as needed) in pencil and kept in order in your notebook with each section labeled at the top of the page.  The Skills work is to be completed prior to the assignment being presented/discussed in class.

  • Username:___________________________________________  Password:_____________________________________________

• Application questions appear right after the Portfolio page, and allow you to practice solving applications that require more conceptual thinking and problem solving.  These pages should be turned in when requested at the beginning of the next class.  Most of the application problems will be completed in Connect.
• 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. 

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, along with the presentation to the class as a whole.
• Exam reviews will be completed during class while working together in groups.  These will be turned in at the end of the class period when the review is worked (1 review per group per unit).
• Attendance and participation is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is your responsibility to attend class and be on time for daily attendance and group work/participation.
• Notebooks will be checked periodically by your instructor for completion of assignments and organization.
• Final notebook reflection 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.  This assignment will not be completed in groups, but individually

***There are no grade recovery options in this course and no extra credit opportunities are available. 

Grading: 25% Homework Technology Skills Applications Reflections 25% Group work and Class Participation Group projects and presentations Exam reviews Attendance and participation Notebook check Final notebook reflection assignment 30% Unit Exams (10% each-3 exams) 20% Final Exam-comprehensive

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

Attendance

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!