Math 5001
Spring Semester 2003
Arithmetic and Problem Solving
Instructor: Dr. Calvin M. Burgoyne
642 Boyd Graduate Studies
542-5021 burgoyne@math.uga.edu
Office Hours: M/W 2:30-3:30 T/TH 12:45-1:45 (642 Boyd). You may
make an appointment to see me at other times.
Text: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers Volume I Numbers and
Operations, Preliminary Edition. By Sybilla Beckmann
Syllabus: We will cover most of the Text. See the bi-weekly homework
assignments for daily assignments.
Tests & Grades: Three tests ( 15% each)……………………………..45%
Written homework…………………………………..20%
Class attendance and participation……………………5%
Final Exam…………………………………………...30%
The written assignments will be graded using the following scale
for scoring your work on homework and tests:
5 points: Exemplary
4 points: Competent
3 points: Basic
2 points: Emerging
0 points: Unsatisfactory
The letter grades for homework is as follows:
4.25 £ average A
3.5 £ average < 4.25 B
2.75 £ average < 3.5 C
2 £ average < 2.75 D
average < 2 F
Schedule of tests: (tentative) Wednesday, February 12th, Friday,
March 28th, Monday, April 28th. No make-up exams will be given.
Tests will be graded on the basis of 100 points.
Final
Course Objectives: To strengthen and deepen knowledge and understanding
of arithmetic and how it is used to solve a wide variety of problems.
In particular, to strengthen the understanding of and the ability
to explain why various procedures and formulas in mathematics 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.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. I encourage you to
work together on homework (as well as class) problems. Of course,
you should adhere to UGA's Academic Honesty Policy, as described
on the web-site: http://www.uga.edu/vpaa/polproc/ahpol/main.html
Therefore always write your homework up on your own and do not allow
anyone to copy your work. If you work with others, it must be a
genuine partnership with "give and take" discussions from
all partners.
A major goal of the homework is for you to practice writing clear,
coherent, logical explanations. Therefore always explain your answers
unless the problem specifically states not to. Write complete English
sentences. Of course you may also include equations, formulas, pictures
and diagrams wherever you find them helpful. Write neatly and organize
your work. Think critically about your explanations. Please refer
to sections 1.5 and 1.6 of the MATH 5001 textbook for additional
advice on writing explanations.
Another major goal of the homework is for you achieve a deeper
and more flexible understanding of the mathematics you will teach
by solving new, unfamiliar problems that use only this elementary
mathematics. Many problems can be solved in a variety of different
ways, so don't expect that there is only one right way to do a problem.
A number of homework problems have several parts to them. These
parts often guide you through a problem. Strive to understand the
"big picture" of how the parts fit together.
Homework is due at the beginning of class. Late homework will not
be accepted. I will drop your two lowest homework scores - this
will compensate for absences due to illness or emergencies.
Tests and final exam
The tests and final exam will be based on the assigned reading,
our work in class, and the homework. Expect a number of test questions
that ask you to explain reasoning we developed in the class activities.
You will need to understand and be able to explain the "big
picture" behind these class activities (and the related reading
in the text) - how the parts fit together and what the lines of
reasoning are. The final exam will be on all the material covered
during the semester.
Our class work
We will frequently work in small groups during class. When you work
in a group, please make sure that everyone in your group has a chance
to think about the question and has an opportunity to discuss and
debate it. At times, this may mean you should "hold back"
a little, at other times you may need to ask your group to wait
a moment for you to think about something. The process of really
thinking something through carefully is what leads to deep understanding,
so you will need to be sensitive to each other to allow everyone
some time for this opportunity.
Notice that class participation counts for 5% of your grade. I
will determine your participation score by observing your work in
class. To receive full score you must engage yourself in the material
and be an active and thoughtful participant during small group work
and during class discussions.
Attendance is required
Materials you will need:
q A calculator. A simple calculator will be sufficient.
The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations
may become necessary.
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