PBIS 187 - FALL 2007
Section 003: 8:00 - 9:30, TR, N. Halsey 456
Section 005: 11:30 – 1:00, TR, Kolf 159
General Goals and Objectives
Problem-based Inquiry Seminar courses focus on critical thinking and active learning.
Students will be engaged in problem solving and will come to understand that a
“problem” is a situation that is unfamiliar and one for which a solution is not immediately
evident. Being stuck is a natural state of problem solving and an essential part of
improving thinking.
PBIS courses offer the opportunity to develop the ability to distinguish problem solving
and critical thinking from exercises and routine thinking. PBIS courses also help to
identify attitudes and beliefs that are conducive to success in challenging situations (and
those which are not). The intent is to provide a strong intellectual experience that will
enhance the university experience and form a base for life-long learning.
Specifically students will
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improve their ability to reason logically
collect data, observe patterns, make and verify conjectures
develop effective written and oral communication skills
improve skills related to critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity
use and understand symbol systems and quantitative methods
understand some of the principles of mathematics and the sciences.
Course Description
“Are there more natural numbers or real numbers?” is one of the questions we will
consider in this course. Of course, answering this involves learning about the nature of
infinity. So we’ll study about counting infinity, along with some number theory and other
mathematical topics. Some of the topics may be new to you and the problem-solving we
do will require careful thought and a little bit of hard work. Problems we will consider
were solved by the ancient Greeks, some even in the last 10 years, and some that are still
unsolved. Number Contemplation, Fun and Games, Infinity, Geometric Gems, Taming
Uncertainty, and Deciding Wisely are characters of the text, The Heart of Mathematics,
we will study. For more information on the text, see
http://www.heartofmath.com/surfing_the_book/.
Instructor: Michael (“Mike”) Skowronski
Office: Swart 233
Phone: 424-7347 (or call 424-1333 and leave a message)
E-mail: skowrons@uwosh.edu (best way to reach me)
Office Hours: If you need other times than those listed, please schedule an appointment.
M: 10:20 – 2:50
T: 9:40 – 11:15, 1:20 – 3:00
W: 10:20 – 2:50
R: 9:40 – 11:15, 1:20 – 3:00
F: by appointment
Texts:  The Heart of Mathematics: An invitation to effective thinking, by Edward B.
Burger and Michael Starbird (2nd edition)
Calculator: A scientific calculator will be very helpful and necessary. A graphing
calculator would be preferred.
Course Topics:
We will discuss topics from chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 .
Assessment:
20% - EXAM 1 (Chapters 1 and 2)
20% - EXAM 2 (Chapter 3 and Chapter 4)
20% - FINAL EXAM (Chapter 7 and Chapter 8)
40% - Quizzes, Group work, Homework, Attendance and Participation
Grade Scale:
A:
AB:
B:
BC:
93-100
87-92
83-86
76-82
C:
D:
F:
66-75
60-65
0-60
Attendance: I have found a strong correlation between attendance and performance. I
realize that reasons such as illness, weather, or family situations may prevent you from
attending class. It is your responsibility to obtain any missed notes and homework
assignments. I will take attendance regularly. I will allow for you to miss a total of 3
hours of class (2 classes) without penalty. After this your attendance and participation
grade will be affected.
Homework: Homework will be assigned and some will be collected. The problems
assigned will be similar to test and quiz questions. Late homework will be accepted
with a penalty. The penalty will work as follows:
1 day late – 10% OFF; 2 days late - 30% OFF; 3 days late – 60% OFF; 4 days late –
grade of ZERO. Please have the homework assignment ready to hand in at the beginning
of class.
EXAMPLE – Suppose an assignment is worth 20 points. If it is 1 day late, you will lose 2
points; two days late, you lose 6 points, etc.
TUTORS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE IN SWART 113!!
Quizzes: There will be some short quizzes given during the semester. Most quizzes will
be announced ahead of time. A few may be unannounced. Missed quizzes cannot be
made up unless the reason is due to unusual circumstances. THIS REASON MUST
BE ACCOMPANIED BY DOCUMENTATION!!
FINAL REMARKS:
My job is to ensure your success in my class. In that endeavor every attempt will be made
to accommodate any special needs and requests. I realize that college can sometimes be
overwhelming. I want to make it as painless as possible. I will treat all of you fairly and
with respect. If any situations arise I want you to feel comfortable enough to talk with me
about them. I have seen many situations arise in only 5 years of teaching. I have seen
students with health issues requiring hospitalization. I have also heard of situations with
roommates and other domestic situations. If you are upfront and honest with me when
such situations arise I will do everything to accommodate them. You can email your
questions and concerns and I will respond as promptly as possible. I hope you have a
great learning experience and take some of what you learn with you on whatever career
path you choose.