blogs.evergreen.edu/algebraicthinking
Thursday from 6-9, Sem IIB 1107, Tuesday online
Prerequisites: Basic computer skills with Windows and Application programs, Internet access and experience
Algebraic Thinking develops problem solving and critical thinking skills by using algebra to solve context-based problems. Problems are approached algebraically, graphically, numerically and verbally. Topics include linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, right-triangle trigonometry and data analysis. Collaborative learning is emphasized.
What you will need:
Book: Mathematics in Action, Algebraic, Graphic, and Trigonometric Problem Solving, Consortium for Foundation Mathemetics, Second or Third Edition. I have asked that we try to use the 2nd edition, since it is around $20 instead of $130 or so for the 3rd edition and largely the same. The book store has about 15 copies. When they are gone, you can order the 2nd edition from several used book store sites, but the 3rd edition, or make arrangements to share a text with another student. Let me know if I can facilitate the process.
Internet Access and PC: This class will be a hybrid distance/classroom course. You will need reliable Internet access at home for email, discussion groups, web content, and chat sessions.
Self-Motivation and Responsibility: You will be doing many assignments on your own computer in your own time frame. You will have a large amount of time freedom and will need some time management skills. You will need to monitor the class website, the class notes, and To Do list and make sure you are doing the assigned work on time and with quality
Evaluation: Evaluations will use the following criteria, (and the methods used for evaluation)
Competency: ( weekly quizzes)
Collegiality: ( willingness to seek help to classmates and offer help to classmates)
Participation (attendance and contribution to in-class and online activities)
Quality ( neatness, organization, and rigor of documents and communications )
Products:
1. Weekly Current and Cumulative Quiz(20 pts/wk)
2. Final Exam (50-100 pts)
3. In class and homework assignments (10 pts each)
4. Other assignments (10 or more pts each)
5. Extra credit research, BEFORE week 8
| April 1 | Functions. Chapter 1, Cluster 1 |
| April 8 | Linear Equations, Chapter 1, Cluster 2 |
| April 15 | Systems of Linear Equations, Chapter 1, Cluster 3 Input and Output. What is Programming? |
| April 22 | Polynomial Functions, Chapter 2, Cluster 1 How does a computer work? |
| April 29 | Exponential Functions, Chapter 3, Cluster 1 Programming Languages and tools |
| May 6 | Logarithms, Chapter 3, Cluster 2 Compare Computers with People |
| May 13 | Trigonometry, Chapter 6, Cluster 1 Computers, Information, and Politics |
| May 20 | Quadratic Functions, Chapter 4, Cluster 1 |
| May 27 | Rational and Radical Functions, Chapter 5, Cluster 1 and 2 |
| June 3 | Curve Fitting and Models, Chapter 4, Cluster 3, Final |
| June 8 | Evaluations Week |
CREDIT:
This is a four credit course. To get full credit for the course, you must get 70 percent of the total available points. I will give partial credit for this course down to 2 credits if you earn more than 50 but less than 70 percent of the points available. You will have an opportunity to get extra points for extra assignments, but this must be arranged prior to week 8, so we have time to plan and evaluate your work. You should plan to get enough points without doing extra work. It will be very difficult to get the points you need without attending all or almost all of the classes. If an emergency arrises, make sure you contact me so that you do not necessarily lose the points for the class session or for your Tuesday group session. Credit does not guarantee a good or bad evaluation. In my text, I will comment on your competency on tests, your willingness to help others and get the help you need, your participation in class and in groups, and the quality of your assigned work.
A Typical Thursday: 6pm – 9pm
1. Questions and work on problems from assignment
2. Quiz on the last week’s work and on past week’s work
3. Special topics of interest (Lecture)
4. Overview of new material
5. Group work, activities
6. Reveiw group work. Summarize and submit work
7. Work time for starting on Homework
8. Individual Help
A Typical Tuesday (at a time and place your group chooses)
1. Read the To Do list of activities for the day
2. Activate IM, Skype, Chat rooms, or other help sources
3. Use Math Learning Center resources
4. Work through activity in a group. Record work
5. Put names of participating group members on work
6. As you are working through the activity:
-Check in with me with questions or help
-Use other groups or resources for help
7. Study together the practice test on the ToDo list
8. Ask question of your help sources if you get stuck