Text

Course topics

Course objectives

Class work

Assignments

How your grade will be calculated

Materials needed

This document describes a general plan for the course. Changes may be necessary.

Text: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers , first edition, and the accompanying Class Activities manual by Sybilla Beckmann, published by Addison-Wesley. These can be purchased from the UGA bookstore and other bookstores. Please bring the activity manual to class.

Course topics: Ratio and proportion (section 7.6); mathematical expressions and equations, sequences, series, functions, especially linear and quadratic functions, solving linear and quadratic equations (chapter 13 and supplements); number theory, including prime numbers, factors and multiples, divisibility tests, and rational and irrational numbers (chapter 12). Other topics may be added.

Course objectives: To strengthen and deepen knowledge and understanding of algebra, how it is used to solve a wide variety of problems, and how it is connected to arithmetic. In particular, to strengthen the understanding of and the ability to explain why various procedures from algebra and number theory work. To strengthen the ability to communicate clearly about mathematics, both orally and in writing. To promote the exploration and explanation of mathematical phenomena. To show that many problems can be solved in a variety of ways.

Class work: This class is part of your preparation as a professional. As a professional, you should engage in collegial discussions about professional practice and you should constantly seek to enhance and refine your professional knowledge. To receive a full participation score, your work in class must consistently exhibit several or all of the following:

• interest in mathematical ideas
• interest in different ways of approaching mathematical ideas
• careful listening to different ways of solving a problem
• careful evaluation of proposed methods of solution
• attempts to connect the course material to your experiences with children and teachers at schools
• attempts to connect the course material to your future teaching
• attempts to connect the course material to the Georgia QCCs the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) (which phases in starting fall 2005 and replaces the QCCs) and to NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
• interest in learning with and from others

Types of assignments and grading criteria:

Expect to have an assignment to turn in at every class. I encourage you to work on homework assignments with your classmates. Of course, you must adhere to UGA's Academic Honesty Policy. Therefore, always write your homework up on your own, using your own words to express the ideas you have discussed with others. Do not allow anyone to copy your work. When you discuss assignments with others, all partners should "give and take" ideas.

Late homework will not be accepted. Please consult with me as soon as possible if you are unable to hand in an assignment due to an illness or emergency.

How your grade will be calculated:

We will grade all your work on a 5 point scale, and we will assign points as follows:

# of points	description	characteristics
5.25 points	exemplary	work that could serve as a model for other students
5 points	very good	correct work that is careful and thorough
4 points	competent	good, solid work that is largely correct
3 points	basic	work that has merit but also has significant shortcomings
2 points	emerging	work that shows effort but is seriously flawed
0 points	no credit	no work submitted, or no serious effort shown

Grading criteria: We will determine your score on assignments and tests by the extent to which your work meets the following criteria:

• The work is factually correct, or nearly so, with only minor, inconsequential flaws.
• The work addresses the specific question or problem that was posed. It is focused, detailed, and precise. Key points are emphasized. There are no irrelevant or distracting points.
• The work could be used to teach a student: either a child or another college student, whichever is most appropriate.
• The work is clear, convincing, and logical. An explanation should be convincing to a skeptic and should not require the reader to make a leap of faith.
• Clear, complete sentences are used. Mathematical terms and symbols are used correctly. If applicable, supporting pictures, diagrams, and/or equations are used appropriately and as needed.
• The work is coherent.

Your grade will be based on tests, homework, and a comprehensive final exam. I expect to give 2 tests and several announced quizes during the semester. I will calculate your course score using the following percentages.

I expect to assign letter grades as follows.

for scores from	up to	letter grade
4.6	5 or above	A
4	4.6	B
3.5	4	C
2.5	3.5	D
below 2.5		F

Materials needed: Please have a calculator available. Please bring your activity manual to class.