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Waycross College
MATH 2008 - Numbers and Operations
Syllabus Fall 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Roberta S. Lacefield

OFFICE: 143A        PHONE (Voicemail):912 449-7571       DEPT SECRETARY: 449-7580

REQUIRED:
Textbook: Elementary and Middle School Mathematics, Sixth Edition, by John A. Van de Walle.
Binder
WebCT access

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Math 1101, Math 1111, or Math 1113
This course is an Area F introductory mathematics course for early childhood education majors only. This course will emphasize the understanding and use of the major concepts of number and operations. As a general theme, patterns and strategies of problem solving will be used and discussed in the context of various topics.

OVERALL OBJECTIVE:
To provide the mathematical background necessary to understand the overall structure and explain in multiple ways the math taught in grades PK-5.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

JUSTIFICATION:
Research shows an effective teacher of elementary math has the ability to do the following:

  • tell WHAT,
  • tell HOW,
  • tell WHY,
  • tell WHEN.
    In other words, a good elementary teacher knows the vocabulary of math, knows how to do the math, knows why things are done the way they are done, and can tell students when an alternative approach is appropriate. By the time you finish your education degree, you will have had three mathematics education courses devoted to fostering these abilities. This course is the first of the three.

    LEARNING OUTCOMES:

    1. GPS and Standards-based teaching
    2. Number Sense and Sets of Numbers
      1. Complex Number System: Natural Numbers, Whole Numbers, Integers, Rational Numbers, Irrational Numbers, Real Numbers, Imaginary Numbers
      2. Even and Odd Integers
      3. Order Relationships
      4. Estimation
    3. History of Numeration
      1. Numeration Systems (Babylonian, Roman, Egyptian, Mayan, Hindu-Arabic, Base 2)
      2. Place Value
    4. Number Theory
      1. Divisibility Rules (and why they work)
      2. Greatest Common Factor (Concept and Algorithm)
      3. Least Common Multiple (Concept and Algorithm)
      4. Prime and Composite Numbers
    5. Concepts of Operations
      1. Operations on Sets of Numbers
      2. Identity Elements for Addition and Multiplication
      3. Inverse Operations
      4. Exploration of Other Bases
      5. Proportional Reasoning
    6. Problem Solving
      As a general theme of the course, problem solving strategies will be discussed and used in the context of topics A-D above. Strategies include
      1. Inductive Reasoning
      2. Deductive Reasoning
    ATTENDANCE:
    Regular attendance in this class is vital because of the discussions and activities that occur there. Therefore, the Waycross College attendance policy (students missing more than 20% of the 15 classes for this course may be dropped from the course) will be enforced for this course.

    TO DROP A COURSE WITHOUT PENALTY:
    In order to drop a course officially without penalty, a student must obtain and fill out a Drop/Add form from the Registrar's office or advisor, acquire faculty signatures, and return the completed form to the Registrar's office before the designated date published in the Academic Calendar posted on the College website and in WebCT.

    GROUPWORK:
    Because collegiality is an important aspect of teaching, groupwork is a required part of this course. For each group assignment, you will be expected to:

  • be individually accountable,
  • cooperate with your group members,
  • do a final assessment of the group experience.

    GRADES:
    Because you are entering a field where ethics are extremely important, you will be held to high ethical standards.

    The grading system is a point system. Your grade will be your percentage of the total possible points (1000). Points will come from the following:

    Attendance Points: As acknowledgment of the effort needed to be on time and in class, students who attend all of the classes will earn 100 points automatically for each of the three units. HOWEVER, if you must miss class you do have an alternative way to earn these automatic points. As long as you do not miss more than 20% of the classes (a total of 3 classes) you may still earn the 100 points for the unit. When you miss all or part of a class, study your classmates' notes, do the activities, research the topic, and study enough so that you can show me you know the material you missed. If you do that, you have shown you missed nothing. You will have until the test for the unit during which the class is missed to meet with me, demonstrate your understanding, and earn the missed points. After each unit test, the zero will stand.
    Tests: Although there are 3 units, there will be only two regular in-class tests--Unit A and Unit B. Each test is worth 100 points. The material in Unit C will be combined with the material from the previous units and tested on the final exam.
    Assignments: These will vary in points and will be ongoing through the semester.
    If you miss an assignment deadline due to an absence, you may earn back those points by submitting the assignment when you meet with me to earn back your 100 points. Remember, you have until the test for the unit of the missed material to make up work.
    Final Exam: The final exam is given on final exam day and is worth 200 points. It will include the material from all three units with particular emphasis on Unit C.

    All grade points will be posted promptly in WebCT. If you have ANY questions about grades, ask immediately. You will have until each unit test to question grade postings for that unit.

    SCALE:
    A= (90 - 100) Near perfect mastery
    B = (80 - 89) Above average mastery
    C = (70 - 79) Adequate mastery
    D = (60 - 69) Major weaknesses--not prepared for the next math course
    F = below 50 Insufficient mastery of material     		WF= Withdrawal of student by faculty for absences beyond 20% of class meetings.
    W = Voluntary withdrawal by the student.
    WF = Withdrawal by student after midterm with no mitigating circumstances (See catalog)
    NOTE: Opportunities for extra points are rarely offered. If they are, they must be completed before the test on the unit during which they are given.

    ADA STATEMENT:
    "The College is committed to providing accessibility to all students in accordance to ADA/504 guidelines. Students should contact the Director of Student Life regarding accessibility."

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    Last edited 8/18/08.