Transcript Math 35 Introduction

Math 90 – Elementary Algebra
First Day … MrV (David Vandewater)
Enrollment details
Volunteer Note-Takers Needed: Take lecture notes for a DSPS student to use.
 Overview of the Syllabus
Responsibilities:
1.
clearly
writtenWebsite
lecture notesand
duringBlackboard
class meetings, then
Take
My
Class
2. Provide those notes to the DSPS student. (Copies? E-mail? Other?)
 What will it take to pass this course?
Rewards: Upon successful completion of this semester-long activity, you will…
- Receive Rules
up to 20 extra
creditHomework
points in this class (5Teams
per major test period)
 Testing
and
- Feel great that you were able to help others succeed in this class
Most
note-takers have claimed
their own grade improved due to this commitment.
 Homework
Format
 Participation exercise: Homework Format
I will ask for Volunteers at the end of class, then Volunteers and DSPS students will
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meet with me to arrange 1-to-1 pairing and the way notes will be conveyed.
Overview of the Syllabus
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Tonight: Read it carefully, take it seriously
Details the class objectives, resources, behavior,
drop criteria, grading, schedule & assignments
Acts as a contract between teacher & student
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Your grade:
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What I plan to give you
What you have to do to get it
8% Participation 8% Homework 64% Major Tests 20% Final Exam
Absent for a test? Take it in the LRC before next class.
Class Webpages and Blackboard
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My Website gives you access to
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Don’t use Blackboard.
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It will only have links to my website
Activate your student My MSJC e-mail
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The updated Syllabus, (schedule/HW changes, etc)
Your current average (detailed grades for HW, Participation, Tests)
Printable class handouts for some topics,
Executable PowerPoints used in class lectures.
So that I can contact you (example: class session is cancelled)
So that I can offer occasional extra credit opportunities
Let’s find your class on my Instructor Website:
(Msjc.edu, then Students, then Instructor Websites, then V for Vandewater)
or bookmark/favorites http://www1.msjc.edu/instructor/dvandewater
What will it take to pass this course?
It’s a 4 credit class with a lot of homework
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Be open to Suggestions: Use new work habits and study skills
Focus – work hard starting TODAY
Don’t miss classes – Absence is a killer
Do daily written homework on time – Timely Practice is key
Arrive in class a few minutes before it starts; I take roll at 1:00 sharp
Take notes on my presentation – mostly I use textbook examples
Work class exercises with me… and put them in your notes
If you “don’t get it”, Ask Questions
If you failed 090 before, or your basic arithmetic skills are rusty:
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Try walk-in help in the Learning Resource Center, Building 800 ground floor:
Student ID Required! Hours Mon-Thurs 9am-7pm and Fri 9am-Noon
Try free on-line help from SmartThinking (see syllabus)
Consider hiring a paid tutor
Insist that disruptions by other students be stopped
Get a Textbook Right Away !
Your textbook is Beginning Algebra 8th edition
by Aufmann/Barker/Lockwood
ISBN-13: 978-1-111-57870-1
The MSJC MVC bookstore has this textbook.
Cost new: ? Used: probably not available
If you use an outside vendor to buy a new or used book:
- It MUST BE the 8th edition with the above ISBN.
- Make sure you receive it by the 3rd day of class.
An E-Text version can be rented for 180 days for $76,
but you need to have a suitable PC or tablet to use it.
Classroom WI-FI access is not guaranteed.
Free trial: (not all exercises are accessible)
http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/3704213/9781111578701?__hdv=6.8
Why you need your own textbook
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Those who don’t buy their own textbook usually fail/drop
The Library and the LRC do not have enough copies
Homework:
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Note-taking:
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Less writing. Board Examples are from the text (but DO the exercises)
Absence:
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40 different assignments (almost every day)
Some sections will be handed in for Homework Credit (with major tests)
Self-study the Textbook Examples before doing the homework
Having Difficulty:
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You can review any topics at any time at home/school
Bring your textbook to the LRC in support of your questions
Instructor Absence and Optional Activities
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Instructor Absence… (when I’m sick or otherwise unavailable)
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You can get together with one or two other students to form your
own Homework Team.
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If a test is scheduled (and I can’t get a proctor), it will be postponed one class day.
Use the classroom for study. I will adjust the schedule.
Not a test day? Use the classroom for study. I will adjust the schedule
Optimal size: 3 students
Try to have a range of skill levels
Take turns explaining how to do HW problems
Trouble with a difficult concept or with homework?
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Re-read the textbook section and look at the examples in your notes.
Go to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and get walk-in help from a
Learning Assistant (they call them “Tutors”)
Try SmartThinking on-line help. (See the Syllabus)
Highlights - from your Syllabus
Important Student Responsibilities
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Get the right edition (8th) of the text before the 1st HW Pack submission
Hand in Homework Credit chapter sections on time on Test Days,
otherwise receive minimal default credit.
Follow class rules concerning phone or other distractions.
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All Tests count toward your grade.
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When absent for a Test:
Take the test in the LRC before class meets again, or get a 0 grade.
Only one makeup Test can be taken in the LRC, without penalty.
Each additional LRC Test will have a 10% penalty.
If no longer attending, Drop this class yourself.
(otherwise an F or D is certain)
I would appreciate a courtesy e-mail when long absences occur.
Read the entire Syllabus.
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Now for some Math…
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First, we’ll review homework procedure, and your first HW
assignment. You can even earn a little Participation credit…
Next we’ll look at rules for negative number arithmetic (Math51/55)
Finally, we’ll review Section 1.2 (Integers) on the board
If there’s time, then we’ll review some basic arithmetic
(Math50/51/55)