Evaluation/Measurement of Learner Outcomes:



MTH 127

College Algebra – Expanded

Spring 2008

Wahama High School, Room 111

Weekdays 9:45 – 11:20 (2nd Block)

Be Present and on time; be prepared; be respectful to self and others.

|Instructor: |Mrs. Melissa Bledsoe |

|Contact Information: |Phone: (304) 675 – 4571 *CALL ONLY BETWEEN 2:00 AND 9:00PM* |

| |E-mail: tilley1@marshall.edu – This is the best way to contact me. |

|Office: |Since personal office spaces are unassigned, I will use a vacant office located in the main office or I will be in |

| |the MOVC library when not working at home. |

|Office Hours: |By appointment only. |

Course Title: College Algebra - Expanded

Class Information:

MTH 127, College Algebra – Expanded, CRN 5135, Section 217, Wahama High School room 111, 4 credit hours

Prerequisites:

ACT Math 19 or SAT Math 460 or MAT 097 or Placement Exam 100 or MTH 100

Required Texts:

Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna. “College Algebra: Graphs & Models”, 3rd Edition, Boston, MA. ISBN: 0–32 1–29263–4

Bittinger, Beecher, Ellenbogen, Penna. “Graphing Calculator Manual”, 3rd Edition, Boston, MA.

ISBN: 0–32 1–28809–2

Required Materials:

Graphing calculator, notebook, pencils, and your thinking cap are required.

Hall Passes:

I will require all students to carry an appropriate hall pass each time they exit our classroom. You will not be permitted to leave class if no such pass is available at the time of request unless called out by someone with proper authority.

Computer Requirements:

It is mandatory that you establish an active e-mail contact for delivery of information and announcements. This is the manner in which I will frequently contact the class, sending documents you will need and/or to make any outside-of-class announcements. You may also be required to use computers for some applications of material in this class. Please note that MOVC computers do not have drives for compact disks or floppy disks; you may need a portable USB memory drive if you plan to do computer work there.

Technology:

A graphing calculator may be required for some parts of this course. I have and will refer to a TI-83; you may use any other comparable graphing calculator, but I might not be able to assist you. * There is a “Graphing Calculator Manual” (supplemental book) which supplies directions for and illustrates use of the TI – 83, TI – 83 Plus, and the TI – 84 Plus graphing calculators, but these were not available when our textbooks were purchased. * Note that you will not be permitted to share a calculator with a class mate on test days. Calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities (such as the TI-89 and TI-92) are not permitted.  If you have any questions about the suitability of a particular calculator, please feel free to discuss it with me -- but do so promptly so that you have an opportunity to learn and practice with your calculator far in advance of the first test.

Course (Catalog) Description:  College Algebra – Expanded Version: 4 credit hours

A brief but careful review of the main techniques of algebra: Polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, sequences. We will be covering all of chapters R (Review), 1, 2, 3, 4, and sections 1 – 6 from chapter 5.

Course Goal:

The student will be given the opportunity to develop a better functionality at a collegiate level and to be prepared for further exploration of higher levels of mathematics. The student’s mathematics comprehension, skill, and development of critical thinking ability will be enhanced throughout this course.

General Education Core Desired Learner Outcomes/Objectives:

This course satisfies the integrated/applied mathematics course requirement of the Marshall Plan. Critical thinking and problem solving activities will be a major part of this course.

Desired Learning Outcomes/Objectives:

Upon successful completion of MTH 127, students will:

✓ have developed the basic mathematical skills to solve applied problems from the physical, social, and life sciences. These skills include graphing elementary (rational, exponential, logarithmic) functions, interpreting these graphs, solving quadratic, exponential, logarithmic equations; solving rational inequalities and finally, solving systems of linear equations in three variables

✓ be able to set up mathematical models to represent real world situations, again focusing on problems from the physical, social and life sciences.

✓ be prepared for further studies in mathematics.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes:

Student mastery will be assessed through application of material to 4 exams for the Marshall course and a fifth exam during the high school course, participation, project(s), and a cumulative final. Problem solving and critical thinking which will be developed as these will be necessary to complete each assignment.

Syllabus: MTH 127, CRN 5135, Spring 2008, p.2

Evaluation/Measurement/Assessment of Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts outlined in the general description by evaluation on exams, collaborative group work, homework, board work, quizzes, and project assignments.

2. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of material on four (4) exams for the college portion of the course, which will constitute approximately 40% of the final course grade. They will be given one more exam for a total of five (5) tests during the high school term; thus exams will comprise approximately 38% of the high school course grade.

3. Students will demonstrate their mathematical skills through the participation grade. This includes board work, homework, and quizzes which will each be 6% of the Marshall University course grade. Board work will constitute approximately 6%, and homework and quizzes will each determine about 8% of the high school final grade. Also included in the participation grade for this course, student attendance will be valued at 140 points, or 12% of the college course grade and roughly 9% of the high school grade. These components of the participation grade combine to determine 30% (MU) and about 31% (WHS) of the student’s overall course grade.

4. Students will develop awareness of how a foundation in algebra provides support for many facets of the world through written research project assignment(s). Such assignment(s) will determine 10% of the student’s collegiate average and approximately 15% of the student’s high school average.

5. Students will apply their learning of concepts during a comprehensive final examination, which constitutes 20% of the collegiate course grade and about 15% of the high school course grade.

Group Assignments

Group problems may be made in lieu of homework and/or quizzes and are likely to be more challenging than individual assignments. They will be due on or by the announced date and time. Do the group problems with the members of your group only. Look over the problems and think about them before you meet as a group. Once you have solved a problem, appoint a group member to write it up. After it is written, it's a good idea to have the other group members read it to verify its correctness and clarity. Remember: each group member is fully responsible (i.e., this is not a "shared" responsibility) for the content of the assignment, as well as for the timeliness of its submission.

Exams

Exams are the manner in which the instructor can accurately evaluate the student‘s level of mastery as the independent work in a specified time-frame is indicative of the student’s ability to perform these tasks in a possibly stressful working environment with time-based goals and restrictions. Therefore, three 100 point exams during the Marshall University semester and a fourth 100 point exam will be given during the high school semester. Use of books, notes, or formula sheets will not be permitted.  On test days, you may bring other work to do after you have finished the test. Students will not be permitted to leave and return to the classroom during the administration of an exam unless called out by a proper authority. Non-multiple choice exams will normally be evaluated by awarding partial credit during the grading process. Letter grades will be assigned for each exam, but the course grade will be computed using the percentage scores, not by averaging letter grades. There will be no partial credit on a multiple-choice exam.

Participation

Participation will possibly involve obtaining help from others and/or giving help to others. Students are permitted to work together except when doing presentations and on quizzes. The student’s participation is indicative of how the student may present ideas, work in groups, and/or function in a possibly less stressful, time-restricted business environment. There are 300 total participation points included in the Marshall University grade and 600 participation points incorporated in the Wahama High School grade. The participation grade will be composed of board work, a homework notebook, quizzes and attendance. The high school participation grade will also include any later implemented daily grade(s) to be composed of in-class activities such as “bell ringers”.

➢ Board Work will be limited to no more than 2 problems being presented each class. A third problem may occasionally be permitted, when acceptable, after the lesson is covered and work time is allotted. Work must be voluntarily written on the board at the very beginning of class and the student desiring credit will be responsible for explaining the process shown after roll is taken. A student may present no more than 12 problems for college credit and 16 for high school credit. 10 points will be granted for each problem correctly presented on the board and 5 points for every incorrect problem presented on the board for a maximum of 60 (MU) and 80 (WHS) points.

➢ Quizzes will be given 6 times in order to monitor progress between exams. Quizzes will be valued at a total 50 points of the participation grade and will be based on material taught and homework assignments. The quiz portion of the high school participation grade will be equal to the percentage earned based on the total number correct divided by the total amount possible for all quizzes during the high school semester. The quiz score will then be half of the overall quiz percentage.

➢ Attendance will be taken daily. Attendance points will be strictly proportional to the days attended. The amount of time exposed to material and availability of time for questions to be resolved is reduced by every absence; therefore successful completion of the course is directly related to your attendance. This will account for 12% of the MU course grade and approximately 9% of the WHS course grade. A total of 140 points will be awarded for attendance and will be calculated using the following formula:

[pic]

Project(s)

To identify how well students can apply the material in a less time-restricted but semi-independent setting, there will be at least one project assigned to students. As will be announced and written on the assignment sheet, students may or may not be permitted to collaborate on projects and/or they may be assigned groups to work in. In either situation, each student is expected to independently finalize and provide his or her own work in a unique and thorough manner. Projects may require basic computer skills and are to be typed and submitted to the instructor before the deadline and in the manner specified on the project assignment sheet or as announced in class. No late projects will be accepted. Overall, project scores will yield of 100(MU) and 200 (WHS) points toward the overall course total number of points and will be 10% of the MU grade and close to 15% of the WHS grade.

Syllabus: MTH 127, Spring 2008, p.3

Final Exam [pic]

The Final exam will be a culminating application that can reflect student mastery level, the focus of this exam will be to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and achievement of the student. Valued at 200 points for both of the credited courses, it will be cumulative and may cover any and/or all material covered by the class. An unexcused absence during the final exam will result in forfeiture of the student course grade and will result in a grade of “F” for the course. The final for this class is to occur during our 2nd block class and is to be between Thursday, December 6 and Tuesday, December 11, 2007.

Grading Policy

Providing explanations for your work is crucial. A correct answer with insufficient explanation will result in only a small partial credit or may result in no credit. An incorrect answer with no explanation (and no opportunity for me to see what kind of mistake you've made) will earn you no credit.

Explanation of Overall Course Grade Calculation:

Exam percentages will represent the number of points for each test. The total of the exam percentages will represent the total out of 300 possible points for the three exams (MU) and 400 possible points for the five WHS exams. The amount of total participation points earned will be determined by adding the number of points earned for board work, homework, attendance, and quizzes each into the students total number of points. Scores in each area will be figured as described previously to form a total number of points earned. The student’s total number of points will be calculated then divided by 1300 for the high school grade, and by 1000 for the college grade, to obtain the student’s semester percentage and/or letter grades. Grades will continue to be taken once Marshall University’s semester has completed since the high school portion of the dual credit course will continue. Grades will be determined according to the criteria as described and shown in the following charts:

|MU & WHS Course grades will be based on Quizzes, homework, in-class tests, a|

|project, and a comprehensive final exam according to the following weights: |

|Criteria |MU Scale |WHS Scale |

|Participation |300 points |600 points |

|Exams |400 points |500 points |

|Project |100 points |200 points |

|Final |200 points |200 points |

|Maximum Points |1000 points |1500 points |

Grades (Calculation of Overall Course Grade): (cont.)

|MU & WHS Letter grades for this course will be assigned as follows: |

|MU Percentages |MU Scale |Letter |WHS Percentages |WHS Scale |

|90% - 100% |895 – 1000 |A |93% - 100% |1388 - 1500 |

|80% - 89% |795 – 894 |B |85% - 92% |1268 – 1387 |

|70% - 79% |695 – 794 |C |75% - 84% |1118 – 1267 |

|60% - 69% |595 – 694 |D |65% -74% |968 – 1117 |

|0% - 59% |0 – 594 |F |0 – 64% |0 – 967 |

Attendance Policy:

We will follow the attendance and make-up policy established by Wahama High School. I will give you two tardies without a penalty and on the 3rd - 5th tardies you will receive a detention with a call home. For the 6th – 9th tardies you will receive Saturday School and loss of driving privileges as determined by the principal. The 9th tardy will warrant a SAT/parent conference; a 10th tardy will result in an Individualized Plan of improvement with Principal/Referral to the Attendance Director. Students are subject to loss of parking privileges for the semester or for the school year.

Attendance will be a direct contributor to your course grades (140 points). You are responsible for all material covered in this course, even if you miss class. If you are absent, get the notes from a classmate. Better yet, do not miss class! Missing class may seriously impair your chance of success in this course; comprehension is linked to the receipt and understanding of each lesson and attendance is often necessary for acquisition of mastery level. Besides reducing the professor’s ability to accurately determine necessary time limits and evaluate the current teaching technique, student absences greatly reduce time for questions and thought development (on the part of the student). Therefore, your attendance will affect your overall course grade as more instructional time permits more time to thoroughly answer questions and clear up confusion. Instructional attempts will not be repeated due to absences of a minority number of students.

Formula for calculating attendance points:

[pic]

Makeup Policy:

At least one grade may occur in each class meeting. Homework and board work opportunities cannot be made up. Quizzes and exams may be made up only with an excused absence and must be completed as arranged during the specified time span. Not obtaining an excuse and/or not taking the missed exam in the specified time will result in a recorded grade of 0% on the exam. Make-up exams may differ from the original exam. No in-class work or grades may be made up without a Wahama High School Excused Absence (please refer to your student handbook for the definition). If you feel that an absence that does not fit this definition should be excused then you will need to get this

Syllabus: MTH 127, CRN 5135, Spring 2008, p.4

Makeup Policy: (continued)

absence excused through the proper authority in the office at the appropriate time. I will not decide whether an absence is excused if it does not fit the definition of a school - excused absence. Tests and/or other graded work will not be accepted without an excused absence being granted for the date that the grade was taken; likewise, make-up work will have a due date and will not be accepted after the class on the date it is due (unless other arrangements are agreed upon prior to the specific class meeting). All tests will be announced so you can discuss any expected attendance issues for those dates before the test date.

Class Etiquette: Be Present and on time; be prepared; be respectful to self and others.

|Cell phones are not permitted in class according to school policy. |Be on time. |

|Be mentally and physically in present. |Do not disturb other students. |

|Talk only about topics related to the current class session. |Be kind and considerate to others. |

In Class

During lectures, feel free to stop me appropriately at any time if you want to ask a question, or if you feel that I am moving too fast. In fact, I expect you to participate in class work by asking questions, answering questions, correcting mistakes, making suggestions, comments, solving problems on the board, etc. Immediate feedback will be greatly appreciated! To ask a question, just raise up your hand.

Mathematical Writing

I expect you to write in complete sentences. Equations and formulas must have an "=" sign or the "sentence" lacks a verb!

Getting Help

When you have difficulty either schedule to come and see me during my ‘office hours’ (if possible) or find a reliable source for help. You can ask for help with homework problems that YOU HAVE TRIED (bring your work), explanations, hints, etc., but not for the actual solutions. Remember one mark of a successful, determined person is that they [usually] know when and how to find the help needed. This characteristic is usually essential for success.

Plagiarism Policy/Academic Honesty/Academic Integrity:

Academic integrity is necessary, priceless and mandated. Academic dishonesty of any nature will NOT be tolerated. Review procedures and definitions as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog (pages 102-105).

Withdrawal Policy:

Students should check with the Financial Aid and the Registrar’s office before dropping a course.

A student must properly withdraw from a class or receive a grade of “F”. Make sure to visit your school counselor before considering this action in a dual credit course in addition to verifying the action through MOVC.

Inclement Weather Policy – 2 hour delays, cancellations, closures:

We will follow all scheduling guidelines held by Wahama High School.

The following information provides information about programs, services, and guidelines in place for Marshall University courses and students. It is not to replace your current high school established procedures but to inform you of what is available and enforced at the collegiate level.

Statement Concerning Learning or Otherwise Disabled Students:

I will always work with my students in ways that support and deliver fairness and desired achievement as my schedule and ability will permit. I strongly recommend all students with a disability to acquire the assistance and support of the appropriate program at the high school level and/or Marshall University Disabled Student Services *. IF YOU HAVE ANY DISABILITY that may prevent you from full participation in any of the activities of this class please let me know as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made. Also be sure to register with the appropriate high school program, the MU Office of Disabled Student Services or with the H.E.L.P. program. Accommodations in testing, readers, tutors, and extra help sessions are available, but only after a discussion with the office of D.S.S or H.E.L.P and me.

*Disabled Student Services: {117 Prichard Hall / (696)-2271} marshall.edu/disabled

The Office of Disabled Student Services assists differently abled students with all aspects of campus living through learning programs and activities. The ultimate goal is for each student with a disability to function independently. Services are available for all students with disabilities at the University, whether they are full or part time students.  Students are required to provide documentation of the disability.  The program staff will work with students to individualize the type and level of services provided. Coordinator: Sandra Clements, Prichard Hall, Room 117, 304-696-2271, Fax: 304-696-2288,Clements@Marshall.Edu, Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Social Justice: marshall.edu/eeoaa/Forms/EEO-Policy.pdf

I personally vow to never discriminate against anyone. This applies to every race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, or persons with disabilities. The Marshall University Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy can be found at the website shown above and/or in the student handbook. Any requests for information on the implementation of this policy should be addressed to the Office of Equity Programs, 207 Old Main, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, (304) 696-2592

Academic Freedom:

Academic Freedom is defined in the Greenbook, p. 15, as follows: “Responsibility for course content, program integrity, and academic quality rests with the faculty of the department where the program is housed, and any changes in courses or programs would normally be initiated by those faculty.” Above all, a course is included in the requirements for a program because it furthers the goals and outcomes of the program. How a faculty member approaches the course objectives is entirely up to that faculty member.

My main concern is to keep each course at the appropriate level while making sure to enhance the student learning for mastery and success. By taking this course you are participating in a partnership between me and you. I am interested in you and in your course work. You may feel free to talk to me about any and all course-related problems, even when I am the problem. If you feel the need to do so, you can send me an anonymous note describing the problem.

Syllabus: MTH 127, CRN 5135, Spring 2008, p.5

Course Philosophy and Themes to be developed:

Note: I will keep finals and other student papers for possible review and/or pick-up until the beginning of the same term of the following year, so any remaining papers and all finals will be available for students in this class to pick-up and/or review until the beginning of Spring 2008.

Tips for success in this course:

1. Be organized - get a notebook/folder to keep daily notes from lectures and maintain them in an orderly fashion with homework and other papers.

2. Read the book(s).

3. Attend class, ask questions and volunteer for discussion and board work.

4. Complete all homework assignments. In college, you would be expected to do two or three hours of homework each class day. If you cannot finish an assignment for reasons of time, then skip every second problem. If you cannot do an assignment because the problems are too difficult, then contact and/or see me ASAP.

5. Use office hours to supplement (not replace) classroom hours.

6. Visit me during office hours, at least once before each exam.

7. Form a study group with other students.

8. Get enough food, sleep, recreation and exercise to keep you healthy and in good spirits.

9. Check your Marshall e-mail account every few days, at least; or set it to forward your email.

10. You should come to class each day having attempted the practice problems for the section covered in the previous class. You should be ready to ask questions about those you have not been able to solve.

11. READ THE BOOK!! I encourage you to read the section of the text to be covered on a given day before coming to class. Class activities should help clarify what you have read, but you will have to read it a second time after class. This is not unusual. Reading a math book takes time, practice, and patience. Don't expect to understand something the first time through it. Sometimes you may need to read something three or more times before fully getting it. Set aside appropriate study time at home for each class.

12. Always Remember: The three most important aspects of your life: First your health. Second your family. Third your career (and this course is part of your preparation for that). If you don’t take care of #1 and #2, they will prevent you from taking care of #3.

The previous paragraphs show how I will conduct the grading and suggest how to get a better grade. Don't lose sight of the ultimate goal, learning new ideas. Although learning and thinking are hard work, I will try to make the class as pleasant as I can. Good luck with the course, and please, please, PLEASE… do NOT hesitate to ask any questions at ANY point during our meetings. Learning (normally) takes two. I hope you enjoy it.

MTH 127 Dual Credit Spring 2008

Marshall University Schedule

Important Dates:

|August 20: |First Day of Classes |

|August 24: |Last Day to Add Classes |

|August 27: |“W” Period Begins |

|September 3: |Labor Day Holiday – University Closed |

|October 9: |Midterm |

|October 26: |Last day to drop a full semester individual course |

|October 29 – December 4: |Complete withdrawals only |

|November 19 (Mon.) – 24 (Sat.): |Thanksgiving Break! |

|November 28 – December 4: |“Dead Week” |

|December 4: |Last Day to Completely Withdraw (Spring 07) |

|December 11: |Comprehensive Final |

Mason County Schools Schedule

Some Important Dates: (…Some are not scheduled yet)

Note that these dates may be changed in class once I have been informed

about any changes or other events in the expected school schedule.

|August 27 |First Day of Classes |

|September 4 |First class meeting (very short) |

|October 10 |IS Day |

|October 8 – 12 |Begin Project Assignments |

|November 12 |Veteran’s Day (no school) |

|November 19 – 23 |Thanksgiving Break – Remember your Project! |

|November 30 |Projects are DUE. |

|December 10 – 11 |Marshall University FINAL EXAM |

|December 14 |IS Day |

|December 24 – 28 |Christmas Break!!! ( |

|January 18 |WHS Final Exam – End of 1st Semester |

Syllabus: MTH 127, CRN 5240, Spring 2008, p.6

Tentative Schedule: MTH 127 Spring 2008 Wahama High School

Note: This is a tentative plan for this class. Any necessary changes will be announced during class meetings.

Week # Dates Expected Material Coverage Special Notes

|Week 1 |R 1 – R 2 | |

|Week 2 |R2, R3, R4, | |

|Week 3 |R5, R6, R7, Review | |

|Week 4 |Exam 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 | |

|*Week 5* |1.4, 1.5, 1.6 |Exam 1 |

|Week 6 |1.7, Projects, Review | |

|Week 7 |Exam 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, | |

|*Week 8* |2.4, 2.5, 2.6, Review |Exam 2 |

|Week 9 |Exam 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | |

|*Week 10* |3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |Exam 3 |

|Week 11 |3.7, Review, Exam 4 | |

|*Week 12* |4.1, 4.2 4.3 |Exam 4 |

|Week 13 |4.4, Cumulative Review | |

|**Week 14** |MU Final!!! – MU Spring Semester ends |May 7 - MU Final |

|Week 15 |5.1, 5.2, 5.3, | |

|Week 16 |Review, 5.4 | |

|Week 17 |5.5, 5.6, Review | |

|*Week 18* |Review, Exam 5 |Exam 5 |

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