Fall 2009
Course Information
|
Dr. Pinaki Das Office: 111 Hawthorn E-mail: pinakidas |
Dr. Juan Gil Office: 114 Hawthorn E-mail: jgil |
Section 2 (Das): MWF 9:00A - 9:50A in 102B Smith
Sefton-Ash Publishing, USA, SingaporeMath.com Inc. Corrections to the book are available here.
- Practice worksheets:
algebra fractions equations 1 equations 2 systems word prob. gcf & lcm - Sample elementary tests:
Test 3A Test 4A (answers) Test 5A (answers) Test 6A (answers) - SingaporeMath.com Inc.
- The Learning Resources Center
- The Prime Pages
This is a course in mathematics content for prospective elementary school teachers. Students are assumed to have successfully completed two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Students are expected to have reasonable arithmetic skills. The content and processes of mathematics are presented in this course to develop mathematical knowledge and skills and to develop positive attitudes toward mathematics. Problem solving is incorporated throughout selected topics of arithmetic and basic algebra, giving future elementary school teachers tools to further explore mathematical content required to convey the usefulness, beauty and power of mathematics to their own students.
| Elementary Math Tests | 100 | Will be announced in class |
| Exam 1 | 100 | Friday, Sep. 11 |
| Exam 2 | 100 | Friday, Oct. 9 |
| Exam 3 | 100 | Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Final Exam | 150 | Tuesday, December 15, 10:10A-12:00P |
The maximum total score of 550 = 100% will translate as follows:
(These percentages are approximate and subject to change).
The assignment of + and - will be decided at the end of the semester according to the overall class performance.
ELEMENTARY MATH TESTS
There will be four placement tests for the students to demonstrate
mastery of the material at the level of elementary school students.
These tests are worth 25 points each and will be graded based on
final answers. The date of each test will be announced in class.
EXAMS
As opposed to the elementary math tests, the exams are intended to
measure mastery of the material at the level of elementary school
teachers. The exams will be comprehensive and will include plenty of
word problems. The three midterm exams and the final exam will all be
graded according to the results and the proper use of mathematical
notation and reasoning. In preparation for the elementary math tests and
the exams, students are advised to do ALL of the assigned homework problems.
No Calculators will be allowed on the exams.
Make-up exams will be given only to students with an official
excuse and by prior arrangement with me. Otherwise, missing
exams will get a score of 0.
Integrity
Information
Cancellations: For information about snow days schedule, class cancellations, and delays, please check the Penn State Altoona website.
Help: If you have difficulties, don't wait until the last minute to get help. Make use of our office hours, email, the Learning Resources Center, and your own classmates. Questions are welcome at ANYTIME.
Students with a documented disability are advised to notify both your instructor and the Disability Services Office (located in the Health & Wellness Center) to request specific classroom accomodations based on your disability.
Advice: Unlike many other subjects, mathematics skills are not acquired by memorizing! Learning mathematics requires consistent hard work and a lot of practice! Make sure to work on the material on a regular basis. Successful students spend 8 to 12 weakly hours working on and discussing homework problems with the instructor (office hours), with classmates, and possibly with tutors.
This syllabus is subject to change at any time. Changes will be announced in class. You are responsible for checking this website for updates.