Instructor: Ben Davis
Email: bdavis@stmarys-ca.edu
Web: http://galileo.stmarys-ca.edu/bdavis/
Office: Galileo 103 D
Office Phone: 631-8048
Office Hours: Mon 1:30-2:30, Tue 9:10-11:20, or by appointment.
Text:
Long and DeTemple, Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers, Fourth Edition Addison Wesley c2005.
Homework: There will be a weekly homework assignment due at the beginning of class on the following Wednesday. I expect you to write a complete solution to every assigned problem. If you get stuck on a problem, or if you are not confident in your solution, please confer with fellow students, a tutor, or come ask me in office hours. Late homework may be accepted due to unavoidable circumstances, and only at my discretion. Missing homework will receive a score of zero.
Exams: There will be two midterms and a final. Each exam will cover the material since the previous exam. Missing an exam will result in an exam score of zero being assigned.
Grades: Your grade is based on homework and exams. The weight each component shall receive is as follows: 30% homework average, 20% workshop average, 50% exam average. The following distribution will be used to assign course grades: 100-93% = A, 92-90% = A-, 89-86% = B+, 85-83% = B, 82-80% = B-, 79-76% = C+, 75-73% = C, 72-70% = C-, 69-66% = D+, 65-63% = D, 62-60% = D-, Below 60 % = F.
Calculators: Calculators are permitted on homework and exams.
Tutoring: The Student Math Center is open every Sunday and Monday from 7-9pm in Galileo 201. Additional tutoring may be requested from the Academic Support Center in Sichel 105.
Academic Honesty: The Saint Mary's policies regarding academic honesty detailed in the student handbook apply to this course. I encourage you to work with other students on coursework, but your write-ups should be in your own voice, and consist largely of your own work. Where your argument depends heavily on another's work, say so.
Course Calendar: The course calendar details the schedule of coursework, exams and breaks.
In this course our principle goal is to become excellent teachers of mathematics. We will work towards this goal on two fronts: skills and attitudes. We will sharpen our mathematical knowledge and skills, with particular emphasis on problem solving and mathematical reasoning. We will learn how to develop positive attitudes towards mathematics. We will model effective mathematics teaching and learning by posing compelling problems and questions, conducting engaging activities and directed investigations, and by using speech and writing to explain our process.
I will work hard to be clear, enthusiastic and approachable. For your part, stay active and engaged and do your best to stay on top of the material. Please come and visit me in office hours. In my experience, students sometimes learn more in office hours than in the classroom!