Teacher :	Mike O Nduaguba e-mail address: mnduaguba@boston.k12.ma.us Tel: 617-373-8576
Subject/Course:	Math Algebra 1
Textbooks:	Algebra 1  by Glenco

 

Other Instructional Materials:

Course Description (Major goals and teaching strategies):

 

_Algebra 1 is the first Math subject that students take in high school. It is therefore to be recognized that the teacher will be able to manage such transition from middle to high school by emphasizing the definitions of new vocabularies the students will encounter. The course is detailed enough and simplified for any average student to understand. The course will challenge the students to real world applications of the use of math. The overall aim is to make the course interactive, inquiry-bound, and a convincing argument for such correct answer. Students should be aware that having a correct answer without explaining how the answer was derived does not show a complete knowledge. Though correct answers are good, the process and explanation of how such answers are derived are of paramount importance. The students will be exposed to the use of technology in solving math problems. In this regard, the students are advised to buy graphical calculators for their use.

 

Students will become better at:

ü  - Analyzing, developing procedures for solving problems.

ü  - working in groups and learning from each other

ü  - students will be able to use technology in solving math problems

ü  - thinking critically on how to solve complex problems

ü  - relate math to real world applications

A.    Major Topics and Concepts: by the close of the year, students will understand the following topics and concepts:

B.     Major Skills: By the close of the year, students will be able to:

·         Relate math to real world applications after solving open response questions in the book.

·         Develop skills in the use of technology especially the graphical calculators.

·         Since they work in groups, they will develop inter personal skills and civic responsibilities.

·         Interpret, explain and apply instructions to solve problems

·         Develop critical thinking skills which progresses from chapter to chapter

C.     Key Questions: list a sample open-ended, “key” question students will be able to answer by the end of the course:

 At the end of the course the students will be able to answer these open ended questions:

·         How confident are you now in math?.

·         Give a quick summary of the topics covered?

·         Give an example of how the topics covered helped you in understanding how math can be applied in real life?.

·         what major activites interested you most?

·         which math topics can you use graphical calculator to do?

 

Assessment Strategies and Grading Policy

Describe how students will be assessed and how grades will be determined*:

My assessment will be a formative and summative  assessments which will be given the following weights

• classwork and homework                                               20%
• notebook/portfolios                                                       10%
• class participation                                                           10%
• quizzes                                                                                  20%
• tests                                                                                      25%
• group projects and presentation                                 15%                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expectations and Extra Help Schedule

 

Students are expected to come to class prepared (notebooks, writing instruments, books, completed assignments) and ready to learn.

It is the student’s responsibility to see teacher regarding missed assignments and exams.

This must be done within three (3) days of returning to school.