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Instructor: Anita Johnston        office: JM 250
phone: 517.796.8504    email: JohnstoAnitaM@jccmi.edu

SYLLABUS...
 

Text: Mathematics for Elementary Teacher:  A Contemporary Approach, 7^th Edition  by Gary L. Musser, William F. Burger, and Blake E. Perterson  (Publisher: Wiley)

 

1► Course Description:

MTH 210 provides background material for students preparing to teach at the elementary level.  This course emphasizes the structure and properties of the number system. This course will cover concepts, models and algorithms for whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents.  Also, some additional hours of on-site field work is required.  Prerequisite(s): a 2.0 or better in MTH 131 or equivalent.  Note: You must receive a grade of at least 2.0 in MTH 210 (or its equivalent) in order to enroll in the subsequent math course MTH 211.

 

2► Course Goals:

Emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than on cramming and memorization of material. 

• Obtain a sense of how and why basic arithmetic is used

• Learn different ways to model and to teach concepts for whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents

• Develop a repertoire of techniques and tools that can be used in the classroom

• Be able to relate problems solved and problems solving techniques to real life applications

• Learn to ask why something works the way it does, rather than just blindly accepting what someone tells you as fact

• Learn to be able to explain your thought processes to others so that they too will understand

• Be able to use many different algorithms to solve a problem, rather than just always using the standard procedure

• Develop a sense of appreciation for mathematics, of discovery of material, and of thinking about math in a positive way

 

3► Course Outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the number system and its properties.

• Apply and explain appropriate algorithms and models to do arithmetic involving whole numbers, integers and rational numbers (fractions, decimals, percent).

• Use estimation and mental arithmetic.

• Develop further abilities in problem solving.

• Apply current literature relevant to teaching mathematics.

• Display an ability to communicate mathematics orally.

• Use a computer to locate teaching resources and produce a written assignment.

• Learn to think about math in a positive way.

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The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. The Associate Degree Outcomes are addressed in this class are:
        ADO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning
        ADO 7: Think critically

 

4► Concerns Expressed by Some Transfer Universities…bolded ones are those addressed in this course.

• Use technology

• A strong work ethic in our future teachers…teaching is hard work

• Problem solving skills through excellent work habits

• Correct advising information-transfer information credibility is essential since earning a teaching degree in Michigan is a complex path

• Encourage and expect correct use of oral grammar

• Maintain high standards in written assignments

• Urban service learning experiences with culturally diverse populations

• Culturally diverse information in all learning contexts

• Service learning sites that promote best practice in teaching and learning

 

5► Appropriate Behavior

• Be Honest:  (Excerpt from JCC policy: contact Student Services for a copy of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.)  Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so. Faculty members who suspect a student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, report, exam or the course itself.  If I have any suspicions of dishonesty, the student(s) involved will receive no credit for that assignment or test.

• Attend Class:  Attendance is required and will be taken each class period (either by roll call or quiz).  If you do not plan to attend class regularly, you are advised to withdraw.

• Be Prepared:  You are responsible for reading the text and completing the homework assignments prior to attending lectures.  The lecture periods will be used to discuss mathematics, clarify and re-emphasize previous material and introduce new material.  Completing “college work” assumes that for each hour spent in class, you spend at least two hours learning outside of class.  Most students find mathematics courses require more time than the “two” hours outside of class. 

• Be Courteous and Respectful:  Be on time, do not come and go from the classroom, actively listen when I am presenting information and/or other students are speaking, and turn off cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices.  Contribute to a learning atmosphere and show respect to each other.  It is my responsibility to foster a learning environment, so students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the classroom and meet with me to discuss a plan for improved classroom behavior.

 

6► Available Help

• See me during office hours.

• Tutoring by mathematics personnel in McDivitt Lab, 2^nd floor of McDivitt Hall.  Hours are listed outside the Lab.

• Additional tutoring services (plus additional services for academic success) can be accessed by calling 796-8415 or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall Room 123.

• Form a study group with other students in the course.

• Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.

  

7► Other General Information

• Instructional Philosophy: Education is a self-initiated, active, goal-directed process, leading to a change and/or expansion of the students understanding of and ability to use the subject material. The student is expected to be accountable for the learning process. The instructor should be viewed as a facilitator and resource person to assist in the process.

• Audits: Must be registered during the first week of class. You will not receive a grade or credit for the course.

• General College Policies: Please read and acquaint yourself with the policies and procedures of the college as specified in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.