MAT 0990 ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
MY BRIDGE TO SUCCESS
Course Syllabus
8 weeks
Mon./Wed (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Instructor: Mr Richard J. Albero
Office location:NM 111
Office Phone:727.791.5960
Office Hours:
Monday: 10:20am-10:50am NM 103 and 1:20 pm – 1:50 pm NM111
Tuesday: 10:20am-10:50 am NM 111
Wednesday: 10:20am-10:50am NM 103 and 1:20 pm – 1:50 pm NM111
Thursday: 10:20am-10:50 am NM 111
Contact:
SPC(CLEARWATER) Mathematics Department:
Academic Chair:Jimmy Chang
Office:NM 120
Phone:727-791-2542
DESCRIPTION:
This flexible entry/exit college preparatory course is designed to improve the basic skills and concepts of elementary algebra from the view of a college student who needs an understanding of basic algebra. Course strategies will include one-on-one instruction, small group instruction, and computer instruction using a program called ALEKS independently and in a supervised lab setting. A diagnostic assessment will determine placement into the course and completion of exit requirements. This course is intended to preparestudents for successful entry into college-level course work.
MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of algebraic concepts, properties and terminology when working with the real number system.
- The student will demonstrate mastery of algebraic algorithms relative to subsets of the real numbers, numerical expressions, algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and graphing of linear equations by applying the necessary algebraic manipulations.
REQUIRED TEXT: None
REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY:
An ALEKS Access Code can be purchased from the bookstore or online by going to number: 0072453729) Course code: 3AYDX-9QQRR
COURSE OVERVIEW:
1. There are no scheduled lectures for this course. This is a computer-based course using the web-based, artificial intelligent assessment and learning system ALEKS.
On the first day of class, each student will complete an individual assessment using the ALEKS program to determine which individual topics they need to study. You are only going to study the parts of elementary algebra that you have not mastered and that you are ready to learn. It is important to have a good initial assessment so that the ALEKS knows what you know already and what you are ready to learn. You want to do your best but do not try to guess. Do not ask for help when completing the assessment. Use plenty of paper to work out your answers carefully. You will have to answer between 20 and 25 questions. There is no grade on your initial assessment. Your initial assessment is only to customize the learning plan in ALEKS for you.
Do the initial assessment carefully and honestly. Also, there is no advantage to consulting outside resources to improve your assessment score. Doing so, will not only make the assessment longer, but when you enter the Learning Mode, ALEKS will try to teach you things that you are not really ready to learn. The periodic progress assessments will discover this, and you’ll spend even more time in Learning Mode to reach your correct learning state.
- You can interrupt your assessment mid-way if you become tired, and return to complete it later.
- There is no partial credit on assessments; take the time to be sure that you have entered your answer correctly.
- Enter only the final answer and have a pencil and scratch paper ready to use.
- NEVER click the “I don't know” button during any ALEKS assessment unless you really don't have any idea of how to solve the problem. Otherwise, ALEKS will think that you not only don’t know how to solve that specific problem, but also other related problems.
Pie Chart
The results of your assessment are shown in a color-keyed pie chart. The pie chart represents the 207 topics you need to master. Each slice of the pie chart relates to a particular area of math and is filled in with solid color to reflect your current mastery. Your goal is to fill in the slices of the pie chart. If you move your mouse pointer around the slices, they will pop out and display lists of topics that you are currently ready to learn. Click on any one of these topics to begin working in the Learning Mode.
Learning Mode
Most of your time in ALEKS will be spent in Learning Mode, working practice problems. In most cases, you will solve only a few problems per topic in order to establish your grasp of the concept. Every time you do a problem, ALEKS will give you immediate feedback on your answer. Note that if you make mistakes, ALEKS requires a little extra practice, but it doesn't start you over; you always get credit for the problems that you have answered correctly.
Tips for the learning mode:
Explain - This button leads to an explanation and solution of the given practice problem. If you choose to view the solution, you will not get the same problem back again for practice, but rather a similar problem.
Dictionary - This button leads to an online dictionary of terms. Terms appearing in the Learning Mode are also hyperlinked to corresponding entries in the Dictionary.
Help - This button leads to Tutorial pages that you can access if you don’t know how to enter your answer.
Next - This button submits your answer to the problem.
Please do not use your browser’s back or forward buttons while working in your ALEKS student account; you should only use the navigation buttons and links within ALEKS itself.
Periodic Assessments
As you make progress in ALEKS, you will be automatically reassessed at regular intervals to check retention and provide review as needed. If the reassessment comes at a time when you cannot concentrate, log off and return later.
You may lose material from your pie on automatic reassessments; this is completely normal. The loss of material is based on the answers you gave on the assessment. ALEKS uses the assessments to update your pie and provide needed review.
Final Exam
In order to move out of developmental math and take Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033), you must pass a 30 question basic algebra exam called the Final Exam with a score of 70%. Students who complete 95% to 100% of the topics in ALEKS are generally successful on the Final Exam. The Final Exam for this class is scheduled for 10/10/2011
- In this class, we are studying 207 different elementary algebra topics. The topics have been selected so that you are ready for Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033) and to pass the required Final Exam. Everyone will have a different individual learning plan.
- Once you complete the initial assessment, ALEKS will enter the learning mode. It will show you what you are ready to learn. By clicking on a topic ALEKS will show you some problems and will explain how to work them. You must spend a minimum of 6 hours per week working in the learning mode during the first three weeks of class. You will spend approximately two hours in class working in ALEKS each week. Access to ALEKS and free math tutoring is also available in the Learning Support Center in the LA building.
3. Here is a table that shows your minimum responsibilities for this class.
Due Date / Minimum Requirements to be completed by due date1/12/2012 / Complete Initial Assessment
Add 3 topics to your pie
Meet to discuss learning plan with instructor
Spend minimum of 6 hours in ALEKS between 3/14 and 3/16
1/19/2012 / Complete 65% of pie (135 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 3/21 and 3/23
1/26/2012 / Complete 70% of pie (145 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 3/28 and 3/30
2/2/2012 / Complete 75% of pie (155 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 4/4 and 4/6
2/9/2012 / Complete 80% of pie (166 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 4/11 and 4/13
2/16/2012 / Complete 85% of pie (176 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 4/11 and 4/20
2/20/2012 / Be able to access the Practice Final Exam in ANGEL
2/20/2012 / Complete 90% of pie (186 topics)
Spend minimum 6 hours in ALEKS between 4/25 and 2/27
Take Practice Final Exam in ANGEL and score minimum of 70%
2/27/2012 / Take Final Exam in class and score 70% or better
State Exit Exam
During the last week of class we will focus on preparing for the FinalExam. To pass this course and move on to Intermediate Algebra, you must pass a 30-question basic Algebra Exam with a minimum score of 70%. That means you must get at least 21 of the 30 problems correct. The
Final Exam for this class is scheduled for 2/27/2012 and the retake if necessary for 2/29/2012. You will be allowed to take the Final Exam if: you have completed a minimum of 80% of the topics in ALEKS (166 topics) by 2/9/2012and you have taken the practice state exit exam in ANGEL and scored at least a 70% by 2/7/2012. If you are not able to score a 70% after three attempts, please set up a meeting with me.
Early Completion: If you complete 95% of the topics in ALEKS ahead of this schedule, you may take the final exam with instructor’s permission and finish the class early.
GRADES:
Your final grade is your score on the final exam
Grading Scale: A – 90.0 and higher,
B – 80.0 to 89.9
C – 70.0 to 79. 9
N (No Credit) – 0.0 to 69.9 or Failing State Exit Exam
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Each instructor is to exercise professional judgment and define “active participation” in class (and therefore “attendance”), and publish that definition in each syllabus. For this class, attendance is defined as attending class and meeting the minimum requirements. Attendance will be recorded in this class by a sign-in sheet. I will be reporting on your attendance and class participation during the first week of the semester, the second week, and around the 60% point of the semester.
If you do not attend class during the first two weeks of the semester, you will be administratively withdrawn with a grade of W. (College Rule 6Hx23-4.30 – 12/17/07).
At the 60% point of the semester, students not meeting the criteria for active class participation are reported to the administration and administratively withdrawn with a WF. Active participation for this class means you are attending class and meeting the minimum requirements listed above in the syllabus.
WITHDRAWALS:
Students may not change from credit to audit after the end of the first week of classes. Last day to withdraw with a grade of W is January 13, 2012 with a refund and March 20, 2012without a refund.Be sure to set up a meeting with me regarding any issues that may arise.
STUDENT SURVEY OF INSTRUCTION:
Every student is expected to complete the Student Survey of Instruction survey which will be available online about three quarters of the way through the class. The survey is used to determine the strengths and weakness of the course material and instruction. It is anonymous, and students will be able to check NA to every question if they wish to do so.
TUTORING
Tutoring in math, reading, and writing is available free of charge, either by appointment or by an on-call tutor. There is tutoring available on all SPC's campuses, so check the Resource folder. Ask your instructor for more information.
USING ANGEL
In order to better serve our faculty and students we are asking that both the instructor and student use the logoff button when completing online course work. By logging off, ANGEL server space is freed, and therefore, optimizing the system. In addition, logging off will more accurately record students' time involved in the course.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ANGEL requirements:
SPC helpdesk: 727-341-4357 or
GENERAL COLLEGE POLICIES
Sexual Predator Information: Federal and State law requires a person designated as a “sexual predator or offender” to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE then is required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides, attends or is employed by an institution of higher learning. Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending or employed by an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular campus, by calling the FDLE hotline at 1-888-357-7332, or by visiting the FDLE website at . If there are questions or concerns regarding personal safety, please contact the Provost, Associate Provost, Campus Security Officer or Site Administrator on your campus.
Campus Safety and Security: For information on campus safety and security policies please contact 727-341-4657. For information on sexual offenders on your campus please contact campus security or the associate provost office or for general information go to the State of Florida website at .
Emergency Preparedness: In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant damage to the St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the opportunity to complete your course work online. Following this event, please visit the college website for an announcement of the College's plan to resume operations. This syllabus is currently available in ANGEL for your convenience. Log in to ANGEL to confirm that you have access, reporting any difficulty to the SPC Student Technical Call Center at 727-341-4357 or via email at .
Financial Aid Announcement:The U.S. Department of Education has implemented rules for students who obtain a Pell Grant, Stafford Loan and/or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and subsequently totally withdraw from the college. The rule requires students to refund to the Department of Education a portion or all of their financial aid if he/she withdraws completely from classes before the 60% point. A student also may be required to repay funds to the College. Should you consider totally withdrawing from the College, it is important that you consult the Scholarship and Student Financial Assistance office on your home campus to understand your options and the consequences of total withdrawal.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Cheating and plagiarism of any kind are serious violations of college policy and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to know and follow all class policies found in the syllabus and academic honesty policies found in the student handbook. It is the responsibility of the student to act above suspicion when completing any assignment. Ask your instructor for clarification on any policy before taking any action.
Examples of cheating and plagiarism include but are not limited to: presenting another person's work as if it were the work of the presenter, allowing someone to copy your work, using published information without proper citations, using unauthorized references (cheat sheets or programmed information) on a test or examination, or allowing another individual to take a test or examination for you.
Disciplinary measures for academic dishonesty can range from a failing grade for an assignment to a failing grade in the class to expulsion from the college. Instances of academic dishonesty will also be referred to the Associate Provost to be filed in the student's permanent record.
Academic honesty policies are available online at:
Academic Honesty Policy
Student Conduct Code
Student Expectations
Accomodations
If you wish to receive accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please contact Aimee Stubbs, Learning Specialist, SS110, 791-2710. If you need assistance during an emergency evacuation, please contact Mrs. Stubbs immediately about arrangements for your safety.
(Disabilities Resources 791-2710 or 791-2628).
Syllabus Addendum:
Additional information can be found in the “Academic Honesty and Behavior Pamphlet” or the SPC Student Handbook .
SIGNATURE PAGE:
I have read, understand, and agree to abide fully by the parameters set in this syllabus and Syllabus Addendum.
Student Signature: Date:
Print Name: