Instructor: David Jaspers

Office: 201B ADMN

Telephone: 648-6851(off) 663-4721 (home)

E-mail: davidj@aiken.sc.edu or djaspers@csranet.com

Office Hours: MWF 12:00-2:00, T/TH 10:00-12:00 or by appointment

PREREQUISITE: Grade of C or better in AMTH 221

TEXT/SUPPLIES: A PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH TO MATHEMATICS FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS, Billstein, Libeskind, Lott; compass, straightedge/ruler, protractor, colored pencils

TOPICS TO BE COVERED: (See schedule for approximate time spent on each chapter)

EXPECTED STUDENT COMPETENCIES TO BE ACQUIRED: The successful student at the end of the course will be able produce well-written correct solutions for problems similar to those assigned for homework in this course.

* To learn the basic concepts of Statistics, Probability, Measurement, and Geometry

* To solve problems as applications of these concepts

*To present elementary mathematics from an adult viewpoint, emphasizing concepts and a thorough understanding of the language of mathematics

* To prepare the student to teach mathematics on the elementary level competently and without anxiety

ASSIGNMENTS: Homework will be assigned daily and will occasionally be collected as a check on how you are keeping up. Although I may not always collect homework, that doesn't mean you don't have to do it! A major part of learning mathematics involves DOING mathematics! Also, homework is useful in preparing for the type of questions which may appear on quizzes or exams.

GRADING: Your success in meeting the course objectives will be measured by your scores on homework, occasional quizzes, three exams, and a cumulative final exam. The weights of the various components of your grade in determining your final course grade are shown below, along with the grade scale for the course.

NOTES:

1. At least one quiz/homework grade will be dropped to determine your final quiz average.

2. Your grade on the Final Exam will replace your lowest test score (if it helps your grade). You must take all 3 semester exams to qualify. Note: A low score on the Final can hurt your grade!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 126A B&E, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.

MAKE UP POLICY: Because at least one quiz grade will be dropped, quizzes cannot be made up. IMPORTANT! If you must miss a scheduled exam, contact me as soon as possible after the exam to arrange a make up. Exams not made up within one week of the regular test will be recorded as 0’s.

ACADEMIC CODE OF HONESTY: Please read and review the Academic Code of Conduct relating to Academic Honesty located in the Student Handbook 2000-2001, page 42. If you are found to be in violation of this Code of Honesty, a grade of F(0) will be given for the work. Additionally, a grade of F may be assigned for the course and/or further sanctions may be pursued.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

• I may occasionally take attendance. It is highly recommended that the student not miss any class. However, the Attendance Policy established by the Department of Mathematical Sciences states that the maximum number of unexcused absences allowed in this class before a penalty is imposed is six. Please refer to the 2000-2001 Bulletin, page 31, for further information.
• Students may reasonably expect the instructor to arrive at class promptly and to be prepared to present the day’s lesson material. Similarly, students are expected to arrive at class meetings promptly, to have homework assignments completed, and to be prepared for the day’s lesson.
• Arriving late, leaving early, or leaving and then coming back to class is distracting to the instructor and your fellow students and will not be tolerated. If you have to arrive late or leave early, please inform the instructor ahead of time

****

Not to belabor the ideas above, but as future professional educators, it is important to understand the importance of class attendance and decorum. Think of what you want your classroom to be like.