Math 106 (section 3136) Syllabus Spring 2021
Concepts and Structures of Elementary Mathematics 2
Instructor: Julie Harland Email: mccmathgal@gmail.com I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know you on zoom this semester. I love teaching, and am happy that you have chosen to be a teacher. I am here to help you along your journey. Please don't hesitate to ask for help! I want you to succeed!
You'll need to enroll in MyOpenMath to upload work. Please scroll to the bottom for instructions. You'll need to be able to scan pages into a single PDF, and will need a printer to print out tests. I post grades in MyOpenMath.
By the end of this class, I hope you feel empowered by your strong mathematical knowledge.
Class Culture and the Learning Process This class is based on the belief that everyone has the capability to learn mathematical concept, and to enjoy it! Keep the following in mind.
Value your time. It’s easy to get distracted when you have a computer, smartphone or T.V. in front of you. When it’s time to learn and do math, try to remove as many distractions as possible. One hour of focused work is much more beneficial than 2 hours of trying to learn with distractions.
Struggle productively. It is normal to struggle on some math problems more than on others. Be persistent, but also ask for help when you need it. If you find yourself spending a lot of time without making any progress, take a break, ask questions, etc.
Learning is a process. The guideline is to set aside 2-3 hours between each class to review what was done in class, and do homework. Your best chance at success is to approach math as you would approach a sport--work on it almost every day. Try your best to make it a priority to keep up with the work and ask for help as needed.
Know the process and the concepts. Find the joy of learning math by investing yourself in learning more than procedures (HOW). When you understand the concepts (WHY) so they make sense, math becomes enjoyable and beautiful.
NOTE: A student with a verified disability may be entitled to appropriate academic accommodations. To receive accommodations, contact both me and the Disabled Students Program and Services immediately and follow their policies and deadlines.
Required Text and Materials: You will need to have these on hand: ruler, protractor, compass), pencils, erasers, pens, calculator, highlighters. At the bookstore you need to purchase a mira, and Packets 1 and 2 of Understanding Elementary Mathematics, Part 2. Packet 1 needs to be purchased by the first day of class, and Packet 2 needs to be purchased by the first class after Spring Break.
GRADING: 90% or higher: A; 80%-89.9%: B; 70%-79.9%: C; 55%-69.9%: D; Below 50%: F
Tests are worth 80% of your grade.
Other assignments (classwork, homework, etc.) are worth 20% of your grade.
Note: You must do reasonably well on tests to earn a C in the course.
TESTS: Test Dates will be announced in class, and tests will be given in class. Students need to print out a PDF of the test, do work on the pages printed out, make into a PDF with pages in order, and upload as directed by the due date. Have pencils, erasers, geometry tools, and a calculator. Tests take up only part of the period. If you miss a test, you earn a zero on it. The final is worth 2 tests, and the lowest score (whicheven is lowest: one of the test scores, or one score from the final) will be dropped to allow for missing or not doing well on one test.
CLASSWORK: During scheduled class time, we will usually be working through the packet using the blank pages in the packet next to each page, or writing on your own blank paper. On each blank page, write the number of the page in the packet it corresponds to. Notes, similar problems and/or some the same problems from the packet are to be done on that page, based on what we do together in class. Toward the end of class, I will give you time to scan in order the pages done in class into a single PDF and upload as directed.
HOMEWORK: Between each class, review the work done during class, and then complete problems on all of the pages assigned. You need to scan the homework pages assigned into a single PDF and upload as directed. There may be other homework assignments in addition to the pages in the packet.
Attendance/Participation: Please log in to zoom on time, be prepared, participate, and stay for the full class session. If a class is canceled for any reason, or you cannot make it to class, you are still required to complete any assigned work. If you miss a class the first 2 weeks, contact me immediately if you do not want to be dropped, as I might drop a student if they miss a class during the first 2 weeks so they can get a refund and nothing on their permanent record. If you miss a class, you are responsible for announcements made in class, and for anything covered or due in class. PLEASE TREAT THIS CLASS LIKE A JOB: EMAIL ME EVERY TIME YOU ARE ABSENT TO LET ME KNOW YOU ARE CONTINUING IN THE CLASS, AND INFORM ME IF ANY EMERGENCIES ARISE.
To promote an ideal learning environment, I try my best to be respectful and considerate of all of my students, and hope my students do the same. It's important to maintain a positive, welcoming environment. Also, if you have questions or comments about how the class is run, your personal grade, your philosophy, etc., please contact me at another time to discuss, not during class. We have a lot to cover, and I like to reserve class time for math.
Student Learning Outcome: For a given set of problems the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by developing a problem-solving strategy, performing appropriate analysis and computation, and critically assessing the meaning of the conclusion or outcome.
LGBTQIA+ Resources – “MiraCosta College has an expressed commitment to equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual. The district employs a Campus Liaison for LGBTQIA+ needs, offers LGBTQIA Safe Space training, and has multiple student scholarships for members and active allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. For information about these and additional campus resources and services, visit: www.miracosta.edu/lgbt.”
2/7: Last Date to drop class and receive a refund with no grade placed on permanent record.
2/27: Last day to petition for pass/no pass. Go to the Admissions and Records office to fill out and turn in the required paperwork if you want this option. You do not need to notify me.
3/23 & 3/25: Spring Break, so no class or service available this week
4/29: Last Day to drop class with option of Withdrawal (W) grade
5/20: Last regular day of class
5/25: Final Exam, 4-5:50 pm