Embedded Files
MiraCosta College | MATH 126S | Online | Course Number 3229 & 3230| 1/21/26 - 5/22/26
My grading practice
My grading practice
I know that getting good grades can sometimes be stressful. To help reduce that stress and improve the likelihood of getting your best grades, allow yourself the time and space you need to do your best work. Don't procrastinate, and if you get stuck on an assignment, reach out to me or one of your peers. I welcome your questions and I'm happy to help you think through your ideas so you can successfully complete an assignment. You know how to reach me, right? I'm sure you're sick and tired of seeing my email address in this syllabus by now. But just in case.... please email me at lnakamura@miracosta.edu .
How coursework is weighted
How coursework is weighted
Homework: 15%
Quizzes: 12%
Algebra Reviews 11%
Participation: 5%
Exams: 42% (14% each)
Final 15%
Math 126S Course Weight - S26.pdfoverall Course grade
overall Course grade
90.00% - 100% = A
80.00% - 89.99% = B
70.00% - 79.99% = C
60.00% - 69.99% = D
Below 59.99% = F
Set Dates for Exams
Set Dates for Exams
There are three exams and one final exam in the course. You must take your exams on the dates/times below. Students should review the assigned reading, homework questions, lecture notes, and Practice Exams to prepare. Exams will be proctored in my Virtual Office in Canvas. You must schedule exams during the given windows. Please contact me immediately if you cannot take your exam on the dates given below. I'll be more than happy to accommodate you.
Exam #1: Monday~Wednesday; February 23~25
Exam #1: Monday~Wednesday; February 23~25
Exam #2: Monday~Wednesday; April 6~8
Exam #2: Monday~Wednesday; April 6~8
Exam #3 (Time-Limited Take-Home Exam): Saturday or Sunday, (May 2 or May 3)
Exam #3 (Time-Limited Take-Home Exam): Saturday or Sunday, (May 2 or May 3)
Final Exam: Monday~Wednesday; May 18~20
Final Exam: Monday~Wednesday; May 18~20
All exams are 2 hours, except for Exam #3.
*Failure to take the final exam will result in an F letter grade*
📚 XYZ-Homework Assignments
📚 XYZ-Homework Assignments
Homework is designed as practice, not just something to complete for a grade. The goal is to help you truly understand the material and build confidence with Precalculus concepts. A solution key may be provided so you can check your own work and reflect on areas that need more review.
✍️ How to Complete Homework
✍️ How to Complete Homework
Practice writing your solutions using the notation and structure shown in class or in the lecture videos.
This helps reinforce your understanding and builds strong habits for quizzes and exams.
🧠 Study Tips
🧠 Study Tips
Try to budget time each day to work on homework or review concepts.
Some assignments may be quicker to complete — if so, use the extra time to review notes or rewatch video examples.
💻 Submission Details
💻 Submission Details
✅ All homework assignments are completed and submitted online through the XYZ-Homework platform.
Be sure to access assignments through Canvas, which will direct you to XYZ, so your grades sync properly.
🔁 Algebra Review (AR) Assignments
🔁 Algebra Review (AR) Assignments
Algebra Review assignments are a key part of the support component of Math 126S. These assignments are designed to help you review and strengthen the prerequisite algebra skills needed to be successful in Precalculus I.
Because there are no prerequisites for Precalculus I (per AB 1705), this built-in support ensures that all students have access to the tools they need to succeed — regardless of background or prior coursework.
🛠 How to Approach Algebra Reviews
🛠 How to Approach Algebra Reviews
Algebra Reviews are meant to be practice and reinforcement, not perfection.
Work through them steadily during the week rather than saving them for the last day.
If something feels challenging, that’s okay — it means you’re working on exactly what you need.
💻 Submission & Due Dates
Algebra Review assignments are completed and submitted online through the XYZ-Homework platform
Assignments typically open at the beginning of the week
They are due on Sundays unless otherwise noted
Always access Algebra Reviews through Canvas, which will link you to XYZ so grades sync correctly
📚 XYZ-Quiz Assignments
📚 XYZ-Quiz Assignments
Quizzes are designed to check your understanding of the material covered so far. You can think of them as practice for exams. Reviewing quiz questions you missed and understanding where your thinking went off track are important parts of learning.
All quizzes are submitted online through Canvas.
The goal of homework, Algebra Reviews, and quizzes is to support your learning — not to overwhelm you. Stay consistent, ask questions when you need help, and remember that progress matters more than perfection.
📌 Check-In with Dr. Nak (Participation Assignment)
📌 Check-In with Dr. Nak (Participation Assignment)
There will be two required check-ins during the semester, each posted as a Canvas assignment titled “Check-In with Dr. Nak.”
You will meet with me via Zoom or in person during the designated check-in windows:
Initial Check-In: February 18–20 (Wednesday–Friday)
Final Check-In: May 4–6 (Monday–Wednesday)
💬 Purpose of the Check-Ins
💬 Purpose of the Check-Ins
These check-ins are designed to support you — not to quiz or pressure you. During each meeting, we’ll talk about:
How you’re doing in Math 126S
How things are going for you overall (school, workload, pacing)
What strategies or support might help you succeed moving forward
This is your chance to ask questions, reflect on your progress, and let me know what’s working (or what isn’t).
🤝 What I’m Looking For
🤝 What I’m Looking For
These check-ins are participation-based and focus on engagement and communication, not perfection. During our conversation, I’ll be looking for:
Thoughtful reflection on your learning so far
Willingness to discuss challenges and strategies
Clear communication of mathematical ideas, which may include:
Defining variables clearly
Explaining steps in calculations
Using diagrams when helpful
Communicating ideas in English, math notation, or a combination of both
The goal of the check-ins is to support your success, not to evaluate you under pressure. Come as you are — prepared to talk honestly about your experience and ready to move forward with a plan.
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