Syllabus: Math 98 Beginning Algebra - Studio Classroom
Summer 2006
Instructor Information
Name:
Helen Valdez
Web-page:
faculty.ccc.edu/hvaldez
Office number:
3824 The office hours are listed on the class web-page.
Phone:
(773)907-4088
e-mail:
hvaldez@ccc.edu
Please note that all school business communications should be done only through CCC
e-mail accounts.
Course Information
Course title:
Beginning Algebra
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in Mathematics 100, or placement test, or consent of Department
Chairperson
Course Description
Beginning
Algebra:
Math 98 is intended to provide students with fundamental concepts in algebra, and to
develop and prepare for intermediate level algebra, related technical skills and problem
solving methods. This course is a beginning level algebra course that covers fundamental
algebraic operations. Topics include signed numbers, algebraic expressions, factoring,
fractions, exponents, equations & inequalities.
Instruction in this course does not involve traditional lectures. A studio classroom
is a student centered and technology-based learning experience. The emphasis is on
students working together and on the instructor giving immediate feedback. In the studio
model, technology increases the opportunity for students to explore and discover
mathematical concepts by themselves. Additionally students work in teams on real-life
contextual projects using technology to deepen their understanding of mathematical
concepts and their applications.
Course Objectives
Students will be
able to:
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Perform basic algebraic operations using positive and negative numbers,
fractions, and exponents.
Demonstrate an understanding of terms and rules used in algebra.
Simplify algebraic expressions.
Plot points, graph linear equations, and find slope of a line.
Solve equations and inequalities.
Factor polynomials using greatest common factor, grouping, difference of two
squares and factor trinomials.
Perform basic operations on polynomials and rational expressions.
Utilize problem-solving strategies to solve problems.
Textbook
No textbook is required for this class, however students need to purchase ALEKS user
guide to get the logon password for ALEKS. (ALEKS is a powerful artificial intelligence
system for individualized math learning).
Course Requirements
Introduction:
Learning mathematics is an investment of time. Algebra is learned best by practice,
reflect, and practice some more. ALEKS interacts with students as much as a skilled
human tutor would, moving between explanation and practice as needed. Therefore the
independent practice on ALEKS outside class (at least 8 hours per week) is an important
component of this class.
Requirements:
Students must have use of computer with internet access outside the classroom
time. This course requires approximately 8 hours online each week.
Online computer access is an integral part of this course. Although no prior
computer knowledge is required, you cannot be enrolled in the Studio Classroom
without having online computer access outside of the classroom.
Attendance: Class participation is mandatory, not optional. You are expected to
come to all classes. If you have any questions, be ready to ask them at the beginning of
class. If a student misses class for any reason, he/she is responsible to speak with the
instructor and to find a time to complete the assigned work. It is your responsibility to
find out what you missed in class, from the class Web page, and arrange to do the
activities on your own.
Independent Practice and Homework: Outside-class access to a computer with
internet connection is required. Homework will be assigned every class. The average
student should plan two hours of work out of class for each hour of class—that means
seven hours per week (at least 8 hours of this need to be on ALEKS). Some students
need more time than this. All homework will be graded on the following scale: Only the
homework submitted on time and complete will receive full credit. Late or mostly
incomplete homework will receive half credit. No homework no credit.
Math Check-ups, and assessments: During the semester math check-ups and
assessment will be given on ALEKS.
Exams: There will be a midterm and a final exam. Students need to take the exams on the
dates scheduled (see the course calendar on the class web-page). Both midterm and final
exam are comprehensive. No make-up will be given.
Student Course Portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of student work, assembled by the
student over the entire semester. It displays student learning, achievement, reflection and
personal growth. All students are responsible for creating a course portfolio in this
class. The student course portfolio will be collected and graded periodically during
the semester.
To create the course portfolio you will need a 1.5’’ or 2’’ three ring binder. The instructions
for creating the course portfolio follow:
1.
2.
Your name, the class and section appear on the front cover.
The binder contains 5 section dividers.
a. Class notes.
b. Class activities and handouts.
c.
d.
e.
Homework
Tests
Journal: Start a weekly journal and plan to make an entry every class. A
framework for the journal is posted on the class web-page to download.
Evaluation
Grades:
The final grade for this course will be determined from the following sources:
25%
1. Midterm
25%
2. Final Exam
10%
3. Math check-ups
15%
4. In-class Activities / Participation
10%
5. Class Portfolio
15%
6. Time on ALEKS outside class / Final Assessment
Grades will be calculated by dividing total points earned by the total points
possible and will be based on the following percentages:
A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=0-59%