Course day/time
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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is the third in a sequence exploring elementary mathematics with deeper understanding, connections, and communication. Formal and informal geometry concepts and skills will be developed through problem-solving scenarios in collaborative groups. Manipulatives and technology will support the problem-solving approach.

PREREQUISITES

College Algebra, SMTE 1350, SMTE 1351

TEXTBOOKS & MATERIALS

• Scientific calculator
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet
• Reliable access to word processing software, spreadsheet software, and printing
• Suggested participation in the class Facebook group for communication
• Laptops, smartphones, iPads and other tablets are encouraged for use in the classroom

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

The online course webpages will provide an outline of course topics, supported lecture, activities, discussions and collaborative learning. Students are responsible for their own learning using various resources, manipulatives and technology.

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

Homework: Each student is expected to be fully involved in the collaborative group problem-solving process.This category includes homework, in-class activities, quizzes, and reflective journals. Absences may affect this part of your grade.

Reflective journals: Collaborative table group problem scenarios will precede individual time on task and culminate in an individual reflective journal. The typed, two-page journal is due by email attachment before the next class period. Journals should include extensive explanations of the process and methods used during group and individual time with the problem. A solution should be included along with extensive justification and explanation. Another important component is a description of attitude, beliefs and emotions encountered during the problem-solving process. A general rubric will be used to award points to problem journals.

Quizzes: Only calculators will be allowed for use on the quizzes. Cellphones may not be visible during the quizzes. Missed quizzes will incur a zero score unless prior, approved absences are given by the instructor. Missed quizzes must be made-up before the next class period.

Class presentations: Presentations will consists of two formal group presentations to the class. Each student in the group must talk for one portion of the presentation. Final presentations will be presented during the time scheduled for final exams. Presentations should include interactive media pieces and be thoroughly researched and documented appropriately using APA format.

Professional development: Each student will be responsible for choosing and completing various activities that will help build their professional development in mathematics teaching. Activities may be chosen from the list or approved by the instructor and may total up to 100 points. Activities such as Regional Science Fair and Family Math Night will be scheduled outside of class time, with compensation class days off. If you cannot attend one or both activities, please consult the course webpages for alternative activities. All activities must be completed and proof turned in by 31 March 2012.

Exam: A comprehensive final exam will be given Thursday, 19 April 2012. This exam is worth 25% of your grade. Missing the exam will result in a zero score unless an approved, documented absence is given. The exam may be made up within a week with such approval by the instructor. Only calculators will be allowed for use on the exam. Cellphones may not be visible during the exam.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The course calendar is available on the class webpages and is subject to changes depending on the needs of the course, the students, and the instructor. http://sci.tamucc.edu/~eyoung/3352/calendar.html

CLASS POLICIES

Written work: Written hardcopy assignments must be typewritten with pages stapled together (no folding, paper clips, or plastic covers please). The instructor reserves the right to penalize sloppy, unorganized, unstapled, misspelled or poor grammatical work. The Writing Center is available for help with written assignments.

Emailed reflective journals: All written work is expected to be well-organized with attention to proper spelling and grammar. Assignments emailed to the instructor will be acknowledged by a return email. Students are responsible for making sure that their emailed work is received in good condition (Word, WordPerfect or RTF files preferred).

Late work: Students are always encouraged to turn in work on time. However, if situations dictate that work will be late, please notify the instructor and turn it in as soon as possible (do not wait until the next class, bring it to my office, scan or fax it). Late work may only be submitted up to 2 weeks late, and will incur a 10% penalty per weekday. The instructor may extend a deadline for approved, documented absences. Please make every effort to communicate with the instructor before class, and follow-up to determine any possiblemake-up work.

Make-up work: In the case of an approved, documented absence, make-up work may be allowed. Homework deadlines and points awarded may be adjusted at the discretion of the instructor.

Table group work: Each student will be assigned to a collaborative table group and be expected to participate and contribute to group work efforts. In the event of a conflict or problem, the group or individual may request a change. Final decisions about changes are up to the instructor.

Help: The best source of help for this course is the people directly involved in this course: your peers or myself, in class or during office hours.

Attendance: Attendance is expected and is reflected in individual and group participation. If you must be absent, please communicate with the instructor and YOUR TABLE GROUP before class or as soon as possible. Email is encouraged elaine.young@.tamucc.edu or you may call my office at 825-2819 and leave a message.Please follow-up with the instructor for details of what you missed in class and any assignments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to enable students to achieve mathematics content and process goals as specified below. These are the Educator Standards prescribed by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for Texas. Some of the goals are related to specific content and will be focused on during one or more classes, while other goals are overarching in nature and will be addressed throughout the course.

Standard III: Geometry and Measurement: The mathematics teacher understands and uses geometry, spatial reasoning, measurement concepts and principles, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum (TEKS) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

Standard V: Mathematical Processes

The mathematics teacher understands and uses mathematical processes to reason mathematically, to solve mathematical problems, to make mathematical connections within and outside of mathematics, and to communicate mathematically.

Standard VI: Mathematical Perspectives

The mathematics teacher understands the historical development of mathematical ideas, the interrelationship between society and mathematics, the structure of mathematics, and the evolving nature of mathematics and mathematical knowledge.

REFERENCES

Bransford, J.D., Brown, A.L., & Cocking, R.R. (Eds.). (2000). How People Learn: Brain,
Mind, Experience, and School. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and Standards for
School Mathematics. Reston, VA: Author.

SBEC Technology Standards for Beginning Teachers. [Online]
http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/standtest/standards/techapps_allbegtch.
pdf

Texas Education Agency. (2007). Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. [Online]
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/

Van de Walle, J. (2007). Elementary and Middle School Mathematics (6th edition).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

Prensky, M. (2010). Teaching Digital Natives: Partnering for Real Learning: Partnering for Real Learning. Corwin Press.

UNIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENTS

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism.
University students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic misconduct for which a student is subject to penalty includes all forms of cheating, such as illicit possession of examinations or examination materials, falsification, forgery, complicity or plagiarism. (Plagiarism is the presentation of the work of another as one’s own work.) In this class, academic misconduct or complicity in an act of academic misconduct on an assignment or test will result in a zero grade.

Dropping a Class
I hope that you never find it necessary to drop this or any other class. However, events can sometimes occur that make dropping a course necessary or wise. Please consult with me before you decide to drop to be sure it is the best thing to do. Should dropping the course be the best course of action, you must initiate the process to drop the course by going to the Student Services Center and filling out a course drop form. Just stopping attendance and participation WILL NOT automatically result in your being dropped from the class. The last day to drop the class is 30 March 2012.

Grade Appeals*
As stated in University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who believes that he or she has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined in the class syllabus, equitable evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden of proof is upon the student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal. A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to first discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details, including the responsibilities of the parties involved in the process and the number of days allowed for completing the steps in the process, see University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, and University Procedure 13.02.99.C2.01, Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are accessible through the University Rules Web site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html. For assistance and/or guidance in the grade appeal process, students may contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Disabilities Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please call or visit Disability Services at (361) 825-5816 in Driftwood 101.

Veterans
If you are a returning veteran and are experiencing cognitive and/or physical access issues in the classroom or on campus, please contact the Disability Services office for assistance at (361) 825-5816.