I really want you to understand why we do certain things, what they actually mean, and how all of the topics we learn about are interconnected. I also want to help you realize your own power as a problem solver. In order to do accomplish all these things, I need to highlight your voice and help you make these connections in your own mind. Our class time will try to minimize my voice in an effort to highlight all of your brilliance.

My course is built on the idea that we aren't perfect the first time we do something and those mistakes are how we improve and learn. Every assignment can be redone after you receive some guidance from me on how to improve it. There are multiple ways for you to demonstrate your understanding - discussions, quizzes, creative assignments... If you've struggled in a traditional classroom, I hope we'll find a way to get through this together.

Also note, my overall goal is preparing you to be successful in Math 150 and 151. I hope this is also your goal - learning skills and techniques that will help you as you move forward. Shortcuts like tutors who do the work for you (even if they may be well-meaning) or solver websites are short-term solutions to get points. You may be able to get a B or C using those shortcuts, but you will do yourself a disservice in the long run. I've taught some of those classes later in the sequence and students always regret having chosen an easy professor or using shortcuts.

I'll leave you with a tip from my favorite MathEd person (Howie Hua, apparently he's busy being TikTok famous with his math content now):

Focus on the learning. The grade will earn itself.

Discussion Board

The course will be structured where you have to complete an introductory discussion board for the week to unlock the remainder of the module. The goal here is to get you to be comfortable with not knowing, see what we do already know about the coming topics, and leverage some learning theory stuff on how important predictions and building on prior knowledge are in the learning process.

The suggested due date for the discussion will be Monday.

Learning Materials

Next, you'll find learning materials to cover the course content. You can watch videos I've created, or jump into our textbook on Perusall so you can ask questions / read with your peers, or just learn through the DeltaMath assignments...

However you want to engage with the content, it's your choice!

DeltaMath Knowledge Check

There will be a weekly DeltaMath Knowledge Check on the week's materials. You must attempt the knowledge check before our class meeting. You will have the ability to correct it, if needed.

The suggested due date for the knowledge check will be Thursday, with corrections due prior to our class meeting on Friday!

Class Time

We will meet in class to cover any questions about the material and likely complete a Kahoot, Jamboard, or Desmos activity related to the ideas of the week. Points will be given for effort and working with your peers.

Worked Problem

There will also be a worked problem due each week for me to see your written work and thought process around a key problem for the week. This will be completed in class. And can be retaken if needed.

In order to retake the worked problem, you will have to complete a short DeltaMath assignment prior to the retake.

Creative Contribution

Lastly, what I consider to be A-level understanding will be demonstrated with a Creative Contribution. My plan is to also have you create some materials that could be used by your classmates or future Math 141 students. These may be video examples / explanations or even memes or review notes, it will depend on the week and what wonderful ideas I've come across.

The suggested due date for the creative contribution will be Sunday.