Calculus is an academic course, that will demand your involvement and attention. My hope is that you will leave here with a wish to continue your mathematical studies feeling prepared and excited about mathematics.
If you have questions along the way, please do not hesitate to send me an email: srobinson@sd64.bc.ca
Have a look through the Learning In N205 for an overview of how things will work in this class over the semester.
There is a course book available either in printed or electronic form. PDFS are available on this website and through the Google classroom.
You will need a notebook to use for your learning log, and this should be with you each class.
You may wish to have a scientific calculator. If you are able to download apps for a smart phone or iPod, there are free graphing calculators available which can be very useful. We will make use of technology to help us with graphing in class, however, electronic devices are not allowed during tests or exams.
My goal is to keep the focus of this course on learning mathematics, rather than the attainment of a grade. Marks will be determined for the midterm and final reports, but students will be informed of their progress through written and verbal feedback, during conversations and through reflections. The goal is for students to get to know their strengths, understand what they need to work on, and set personal goals.
Assessment will be based on:
Students will be involved in the assessment process throughout the semester.
It is possible to attempt a quiz again in order to show progress in your understanding. In order for this to happen, it is up to the student to set up a time for the re-quiz to be written, and demonstrate that adequate preparation has been undertaken before writing. This includes: quiz corrections, practice problems and an up-to-date learning log.
It is important to ask questions when you are curious or when you don’t understand, and to search out answers. The beginning of class is a great time to ask questions, as your question may be one that inspires the curiosity of other, or one that other people are wondering about.
You should be asking each other questions as well. Working together outside of class time will allow you to help one another. You will find the act of discussing what problems and questions you have with your peers, will help you gain a better understanding.
Read through the feedback on your quiz.
If any of the question numbers have been circled, corrections are needed. Once the corrections have been completed and submitted, there will be a discussion about whether a re-quiz is needed.
Complete the corrections on a separate piece of paper and attach it to your quiz, or do the correction on a sticky note. It should be obvious what is being corrected, and separate from the original quiz. You have two full school days to complete the quiz. For example, if the quiz is returned on a Tuesday, you have until the end of the day on Thursday to hand it in.
If you would like to do a re-quiz to demonstrate that your understanding has progressed, you need to set up a time/date to do this with Ms Robinson (in a flex block) and demonstrate that you have completed some work to help with your understanding (practice questions, up-to-date learning log, corrections).
Calculus is a course that introduces abstract ideas and demands hard work and persistence. Most students taking Calculus in high school plan on attending post secondary school at some point. Creating a habit of regular math practice on your own is an important skill that will benefit you in both this course, and future courses.
It is expected that students find time to review the ideas discussed in class and practice making sense of these ideas on a daily basis. What you will need to complete for homework is likely different to the person standing next to you however. You will be responsible for making your own decisions about what you complete, how much time you spend outside of class, and when is the best time for you.
It is a good idea to make friends in this class, and decide on ways to communicate with each other outside of school hours. You are welcome to email me anytime you have a question.
At the end of this course, many of you will be moving on to a further study of mathematics. It is hoped that you have algebraic flexibility and graphical fluency.