Course Information Sheet


Course: Math 206.01 - Math for Elementary Teaching II - 4 Credit Hours - Spring 2011
Meeting Time: MW 10:00am - 11:40am
Meeting Place: Room 2625

Instructor: Steve Kifowit, Rm 2305, Ph. (708) 709-3954
Email: skifowit 'at' prairiestate.edu
Web: http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math
Office Hours: MW 3:30pm-5:00pm, MW 11:00am-12:00pm, or by appointment

Text: A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers; 10th edition; Billstein, Libeskind, & Lott

Course Description: This course is a continuation of Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I.  Topics covered include geometry, probability, statistics, and measurement.  Mathematical reasoning and problem solving are emphasized.  This is the second course in a two-semester sequence recommended to meet the requirements for teacher certification in Illinois.  It is not a methods course in teaching mathematics.  This course provides general education credit for elementary education majors.

Course Prerequisite: Math 200, Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I, with a C or better

Course Goals/Objectives: In addition to satisfying PSC's general education mathematics objectives, successful Math 206 students will be able to:
1.) Use spatial visualization and geometric modeling to explore and analyze geometric shapes, structures, and their properties.
2.) Solve computational and application problems related to data analysis, statistics, and basic probability.
3.) Recognize the measurable attributes of an abject and apply the units, systems, and processes of measurement.

Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is an essential component of successful learning. Students are responsible for prompt attendance and participation in all class meetings. If you miss class, you will not be allowed to make up any tests, quizzes, or homework assignments that you may have missed. All material covered in class is the student's responsibility.

Grading: Your grade will be based on your performance on three 50-point tests, a 75-point final exam, approximately ten 5-point quizzes, and miscellaneous problems (0-50 points). The grading scale is as follows:

A --- 88% and above
B --- 77% - 87%
C --- 66% - 76%
D --- 55% - 65%
F --- below 55%

You may estimate your current grade at any time during the semester by computing the following percentage: 100% * ( Total points accumulated ) / ( Total points possible ). Please feel free to discuss your grade with me at any time during the semester.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned on a daily basis. Your work will not normally be collected, but we will often discuss homework problems in class. Keep up to date on your homework! Homework problems often show up on tests, quizzes, and other assignments.

Tests/Exams: Test problems will be similar to class examples, quiz problems, and homework problems. Some test problems may be multiple choice, but you should also expect computational problems and writing problems.  Partial credit may be awarded on any type of problem, but only for correct work.  You must work individually on all tests. No make-up tests will be given. At the end of the semester, your lowest test score will be replaced by two-thirds of your final exam score (if this helps you).

Quizzes: Be prepared for a five-point quiz on each Wednesday (unless a test is scheduled). No make-up quizzes will be given. All quiz work is to be done on an individual basis unless otherwise stated. At the end of the semester, your lowest quiz score will be dropped.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive and will be worth 75 points toward your final grade.  You will be given two chances to do well on the final exam. See the lecture pace for the dates of the final exams.

Calculators: A scientific calculator is required for this course.  The TI-73, TI-83, or TI-84 are the recommended calculators.

Reading Assignments:  Reading assignments will be given throughout the semester.  The material covered in your readings will appear on tests and quizzes, even if it never comes up in class.

Misc. information:
1.) The last day to withdraw from the course is April 15. For refund information, refer to the spring schedule book. If you wish to withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to do so. Any student who does not come to class, yet fails to withdraw, will be given an F.
2.) You are expected to spend roughly 12 hours per week on coursework - 4 hours in class and 8 hours out of class. If you cannot make this commitment, you may want to reconsider taking this course.
3.) The grading scale will be strictly adhered to! Final percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number.
4.) You will eventually be required to have a compass, straight-edge, protractor, and ruler (with inches and centimeters). 

 

Course information, including answer keys for tests and quizzes, can be found at http://prairiestate.edu/skifowit/math