Embedded Files
Spring 2024 #52033
Spring 2024 #52033
This class meets TTH 9:00-10:50am in CCI 200.
There is a lot of really important information in this syllabus, so make sure to read it all. Complete the Syllabus Scavenger Hunt while you read!
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome to Math 3A at Reedley College! I hope you are excited to start a new semester and I look forward to working with you. Over the next 18 weeks, I will be available to assist you and provide guidance if you need it. I also encourage you to meet with our class tutor as well as other math tutors from the Math Center and Learning Resource Center at Reedley College. It is common to feel like you are on your own in an online class, but we are all in this together. Our class is a community that's here to support each other's learning and growth, so don't be afraid to ask for help or help out others.
Success in this course depends heavily on your personal health and wellbeing. Recognize that stress is an expected part of the college experience, and it often can be compounded by unexpected setbacks or life changes outside the classroom. I know the past few years have been exceptionally unexpected. Your other instructors and I strongly encourage you to reframe challenges as an unavoidable pathway to success. Reflect on your role in taking care of yourself throughout the term, before the demands of exams and projects reach their peak. Please feel free to reach out to me about any difficulty you may be having that may impact your performance in this course as soon as it occurs and before it becomes unmanageable. In addition to your academic advisor, I strongly encourage you to contact the many other support services on campus that stand ready to assist you.
About Your Instructor
About Your Instructor
Instructor: Julie Kehoe
Email: julie.kehoe@reedleycollege.edu
Office: Math & Sciences Building, MSCI 134
Student Hours: Come visit me in my office
Communication: There are a variety of ways that you can get in contact with me, however, the Canvas Inbox is the best way to get a quick response. If you have not heard back from me within two days then contact me again.
I have been teaching math at Reedley College since 2016 but I have lived in the valley all of my life. Originally from Sanger, I was a student at Reedley College before transferring to CSU Fresno where I earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mathematics. I currently live in Clovis with my husband and three children.
Course Description
Course Description
This is a college level course in algebra for majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will study polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, absolute value, and logarithmic functions. Topics include systems of equations, theory of polynomial equations, and analytic geometry.
PREREQUISITES: Mathematics 103 or equivalent.
ADVISORIES: English 1A or 1AH.
Transferability: A, CSU-GE, UC, I, C-ID MATH 151
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Use formulas to find sums of finite and infinite series.
Apply appropriate techniques to model real world applications.
Solve various types of equations and inequalities.
Analyze properties of various types of functions using their graphs and/or equations.
Productive Struggle and the Learning Process
Productive Struggle and the Learning Process
You are all highly capable of learning the material in this course and my goal is to provide you with the materials and support you need to be successful. However, there will be times when you struggle with the concepts in this course. Struggling is normal and an important part of the learning process. But if you find yourself spending a lot of time on something without making any progress, it is a good idea to walk away for a bit. Don't allow yourself to get frustrated or give up entirely. Instead, reach out by sending me a question, posting on the community center discussion boards, meeting with a tutor, or just taking a break for a few hours or a day.
Time management is also important to success. Because this course is 18 weeks, the expected time commitment is about 12 hours per week. However, we all learn in different ways and at different rates, so your individual time commitment will vary. So, make sure to create daily or weekly goals for yourself and set aside enough time each week to work on this course. This will help to reduce stress and keep you on track to pass the class.
Course Materials
Course Materials
Textbook & Homework System
Textbook & Homework System
This is a zero textbook cost class! The resources and homework system, MyOpenMath, are free and available in our Canvas course. For each section we cover, I will link you directly to relevant textbook materials, videos, and lecture notes in the study materials pages under modules.
We will be doing a fair amount of graphing and calculations in this class and a graphing calculator, such as a TI-83 or 84, or its equivalent is highly recommended.
Go to the Calculators page for more information on getting a calculator, as well as free apps and online programs that can substitute for one.
Other Technology
Other Technology
Fairly recent Mac or PC with a current operating system.
Current browser (Firefox, or Chrome are preferable) do not use Internet Explorer
Reliable and easily accessible internet connection, preferably broadband (DSL speeds) -- for viewing online videos
Assignments
Assignments
Your grade in this class will be based entirely on the math skills you learn this semester. Common elements such as homework, participation, effort, extra credit, and turning assignments in 'on time' will not be part of your grade. This will likely be very different from what you are used to, but the grading system outlined below is designed to be bias-resistant, motivating, and an accurate representation of what you have learned in this class.
This may sound a little scary, but keep reading!
Unit modules have a set of specified skills to learn with study materials, homework, and guided practice to help you master these skills. These assignments are your chance to practice, to make mistakes, to learn. Making mistakes is part of the process of learning math and is expected. For this reason, there are an unlimited number of attempts on homework questions and homework scores will NOT be included in your grade. I still expect to see you doing homework regularly, but only as much as you need to learn the concepts. There are due dates listed for each of these assignments to help keep you on pace to complete the class by the last day, but they will be available for the entirety of the course.
There will be at least one discussion forum each unit to enable communication between you and other students in the class. Use these forums to connect with me and your classmates, ask questions, and share helpful resources with each other.
Each unit (except the Algebra Review Unit) will end with an exam on the skills covered. The exams are your chance to show what you have learned. The work you submit for your exams will be used to determine your grade in the class, so make sure to review the rubric for each skill and show work that clearly explains your solution. Exam work should be submitted promptly after completing the exam.
Due Dates: The schedule for exams is posted and the deadlines are flexible. However, the first attempt of each exam has an expiration date. See the Course Schedule below for all expiration dates.
If you have not yet mastered a skill in the exam, that's ok! Retake exams are available as additional opportunities to show you have learned the material. Before attempting a retake exam, I expect you to review my feedback from your first attempt, study, work on homework, and/or get tutoring help. If you show improvement on a retake, then your grade on that skill will be replaced to reflect your best work.
The final exam is the last retake for all skills covered in the class and your last opportunity to demonstrate you have mastered these skills. For any retake exam, including the final exam, you will only need to complete problems that assess the skills you want to improve your score on. For example, if you only have one skill to improve on, you only have to do one problem on the retake.
Grading
Grading
Your grade in this class will be based on your demonstrated level of understanding of each skill assessed in exams and exam retakes.
Grades based on skills assessed in exams
4-point rubric used for each skill
Overall grade is an average of all skills
Two retake opportunities for each skill (Exam Retake and Final Exam)
Final grades are calculated by averaging the assessment level of all skills in the course using the following scale:
A - 3.50 - 4.00 (87.5%-100%)
B - 2.75 - 3.49 (68.75%-87.4%)
C - 2.00 - 2.74 (50%-68.74%)
D - 1.25 - 1.99 (31.25%-49.9%)
F - 1.24 and below (below 31.25%)
Grades will be tracked in the Canvas Gradebook. Nongraded assignments like the Homework Practices and discussion boards will also appear in the gradebook, but only to track progress. They are not used to determine your grade in the class.
Progressing Through the Class
Progressing Through the Class
Your first assignment in this course is the Syllabus Scavenger Hunt. I want to make sure everyone gets a good start in the class, so if you have not completed it by January 9th, I will be checking in with you on Wednesday. I will be monitoring your progress regularly to ensure you are keeping up with the schedule of assignments and contacting you if you are falling behind. Because this is an online class, participation is determined by assignments completed for the purposes of attendance.
I hope that you can see I will do everything I can to support you in being successful, not just in this class but in your college and career goals. Because of this, if you begin to fall too far behind and aren’t working towards completing assignments, I will need to make the assumption you do not intend to or will not be able to complete the course. If this happens then I will drop you from the class so that you can take the course again at a time that allows you to be successful.
Thus, you will likely be dropped from the class if you have 8 or more absences and have not completed
any assignments before January 26
at least two exams prior to the final drop deadline on March 8
Please let me know if you are having trouble completing assignments for any reason. The more I know, the more I can help you. Considering dropping a class? Read this article first.
Getting Help When You Need It
Getting Help When You Need It
Ways to get help from me!
Ways to get help from me!
Email - I am just an email away if you have questions.
Student Hours - I can video chat with you using Zoom by appointment or come see me during my student hours
Canvas Messaging - Message me through Canvas. (Don't forget to download the Canvas Student app!)
Our Own Class Tutor and the Reedley College Math Center
Our Own Class Tutor and the Reedley College Math Center
The Math Center is a free tutoring resource available to all Reedley College math students. It is currently offering online tutoring with our own Reedley College tutors and math faculty. Please self-enroll in the Math Center Canvas course to view the schedule for drop-in tutoring, available Monday-Friday. If you want to plan ahead, or need help in the evenings, or on weekends, connect with a Reedley College tutor by making an appointment through Canvas Messaging.
Learning Resource Center
Learning Resource Center
The Tutorial Center is a free tutoring resource available to all Reedley College students as well. The center offers tutoring facilitated by well-qualified student tutors and online tutoring in a variety of subjects (not just math!).
NetTutor Online Tutoring
NetTutor Online Tutoring
NetTutor is a free online tutoring service available in Canvas. You can find it on the left sidebar in the Canvas course.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSP&S) is designed to provide specialized services and accommodations that assist students with documented physical, psychological and learning disabilities to reach their maximum potential while achieving their educational goals. Staff specialists interact with all areas of the campus to eliminate physical, academic and attitudinal barriers. Disabled Students Programs & Services takes a personal interest in meeting the special needs of students with disabilities.
If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (i.e., Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact me as soon as possible.
Starfish
Starfish
This class will participate in Starfish Early Alert, which promotes student success through coordination and communication among students, instructors, counselors, and campus support service departments. If I observe that you are experiencing difficulties in the course (attendance concerns, missing assignments, etc.), I may send an email to your scccd.edu email account through the Starfish Early Alert system. My message will tell you about my concerns and ask you to contact me regarding the concern and strategies that may help you be successful in the course. A counselor or special program may also follow-up with you regarding the concern. In addition, if I observe that you are doing well in my course, you may also receive “kudos” from me acknowledging your efforts. Starfish Early Alert provides notices by email and can be access on the left sidebar of this Canvas course.
Course Schedule & Important Dates
Course Schedule & Important Dates
Important Dates
Important Dates
Monday, January 8 - Start of 18-week Spring Semester
Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr Day observed (no classes, campus closed)
Sunday, January 28 - Last Day to Drop without a ‘W’
Friday, February 16 - Lincoln Day observed (no classes, campus closed)
Monday, February 19 - Washington Day observed (no classes, campus closed)
Friday, March 8 - Last Day to Drop with a ‘W’ (Letter grades assigned if enrolled after this date)
Monday-Friday, March 25-29 - Spring Break (no classes, campus closed)
Friday, May 17 - End of 18-week Fall Semester
Tentative Schedule
Please note, this schedule is tentative and may change if necessary. Graded assignments are bold.Tentative Schedule
Unit 0 Getting Started
Unit 0 Getting Started
Review Course Materials
Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Getting to Know You Survey
Class Norms Forum
Class Introductions
Time Management Discussion
Algebra Review
Algebra Review
Sections R.1-R.5
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Algebra Practice Exam
Unit 1 Equations
Unit 1 Equations
Sections R.6, R.7, and 1.1-1.5
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Integration by Parts Rubric Discussion Board
Unit 1 Review
Exam 1 - Due February 4 (Available until March 3)
Unit 2 Inequalities
Unit 2 Inequalities
Unit 2 Community Center Forum
Sections 2.1-2.2
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 2 Review
Exam 2 - Due February 11 (Available until April 7)
Unit 3 Function Properties
Unit 3 Function Properties
Unit 3 Community Center Forum
Sections R.8-R.10 and 3.1-3.6
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 3 Review
Exam 3 - Due March 3 (Available until April 14)
Unit 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions
Unit 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions
Unit 4 Community Center Forum
Sections 4.1-4.6
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 4 Review
Exam 4 - Due March 17 (Available until April 21)
Unit 5 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Unit 5 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Unit 5 Community Center Forum
Sections 5.1-5.7
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 5 Review
Exam 5 - Due April 14 (Available until April 28)
Unit 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Unit 6 Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Unit 6 Community Center Forum
Sections 6.1-6.4
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 6 Review
Exam 6 - Due April 28 (Available until May 5)
Unit 7 Analytic Geometry
Unit 7 Analytic Geometry
Unit 7 Community Center Forum
Sections 7.1-7.3
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 7 Review
Exam 7 - Due May 5 (Available until May 12)
Unit 8 Sequences
Unit 8 Sequences
Unit 8 Community Center Forum
Sections 8.1-8.4
Guided Practice
Study Materials
Homework Practice
Unit 8 Review
Exam 8 - Due May 12 (Available until May 15)
Final Exam - Due May 15 (No assignments accepted after this date)
Final Exam - Due May 15 (No assignments accepted after this date)
Academic Honesty
Academic Honesty
You are a member of an academic community at Reedley College. One of the most important values of an academic community is the balance between the free flow of ideas and the respect for the intellectual property of others. Any test, paper or report submitted by you and that bears your name is presumed to be your own original work. Cheating may include, but is not limited to, using unapproved technology to solve a problem, copying from another’s work, supplying one’s work to another, using or displaying notes or devices inappropriate to the conditions of the examination, or allowing someone other than the officially enrolled student to represent the student. If you are not clear about the expectations for completing an assignment or taking a test or examination, be sure to seek clarification from your instructor beforehand. Finally, you should keep in mind that as a member of the campus community, you are expected to demonstrate integrity in all of your academic endeavors and will be evaluated on your own merits. The consequences of cheating and academic dishonesty, including a formal discipline file, are simply not worth it.
Tips for Success
Tips for Success
Whether this is your first college class or your last, here are some great tips for being successful and enjoying college.
Connect with your instructor - Your instructor is the single best resource for your class. Your instructors want you to learn and succeed.
Find a study partner or group
Join student organizations - Being active on campus helps you connect with people and strengthen your support system.
Use a planner - Adjust your schedule around when you are most productive and creative
Homework comes first
Give yourself breaks and time off
Use campus resources - There are so many programs and resources on campus to help you succeed.
Don’t ever doubt that you belong here - Mistakes are expected, struggling is normal
Success in an Online Class
Success in an Online Class
Nervous about taking an online class? Hear tips from online students in this video.
Here are some tutorials designed to help you prepare for this semester too.
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