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TEXTBOOK

Basic Mathematical Skills with Geometry (fifth edition)

Streeter, Hutchison, Bergman, Hoelzle

CONTENTS OF COURSE

Chapters 1 – 6, 9, if time permits 8

This course is intended to give you the basic skills that are essential for everyday life experiences, as well as the skills necessary for college level math courses. The emphasis is on practice, which will provide a greater understanding of the material presented. Word problems will be introduced and incorporated into the homework exercises throughout the course. Included with your text is a code for ALEKS. This is web-based computer software that you will use throughout this course. As an incentive, for every 5 hours you spend on ALEKS, one point will be added to your final grade. Along with the obvious advantages of this, you may accumulate up to 3 additional points.

Click here to access the ALEKS website.

COURSE MATERIALS

In addition to the text, you will be required to keep an organized notebook for class notes and homework. I recommend a large spiral notebook. A SMART CD-ROM is included in the back of your text.

EXAMS

There will be at least 5 chapter tests and a comprehensive final exam during the semester (each test will be worth 100 points). You are required to pass ALL chapter tests before you will be allowed to take the final exam. If you do not pass on the first try, you will have to make arrangements to take a different version of the test. The final exam will be counted twice as much as the other exams taken in class. Also expect weekly quizzes throughout the semester.

When taking a test, pencil (not ink) MUST be used. Calculators are NOT permitted.

GRADING

An average of 70% will be considered as a passing grade. Although 70% is the minimum-passing grade, I would encourage you to do your best for your own sense of self-accomplishment and to insure a complete understanding of the material presented in this course. Remember that the main goal of this course is to improve your mathematical skills so you will be successful in your required and elective university level math courses.

HOMEWORK

We will be covering several sections per class period. Read the material before and after it is covered in class. Homework will be assigned after every section. Generally, you will be assigned the odd-numbered problems because the answers can be found in the back of the book. Please do assigned problems regularly. It is essential to getting a firm understanding of the material.

ASK QUESTIONS IN CLASS. MATH CAN BE FUN IF YOU ARE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT!

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken in every class and all students are expected to attend on a regular basis. If a class is missed, it is your responsibility to make up the material.

As an incentive for you to attend class, I will add 3 points to your final average if you have near perfect attendance. That means no more than 2 absences all semester. The 3 points can mean the difference between passing and failing! On the other hand, if you miss more than 6 classes, you will be in danger of failing the course.

LEARNING RESOURCES

There are several resources for students with questions. First and foremost, you should participate and ask questions in class. If you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to make an appointment with me at a mutually convenient time. Math Tutors are located in Room 110 of Boyer. (Phone ext. 2149) The schedule is posted on the door. The Educational Enhancement Center provides free tutoring. (Phone ext. 4086). Call there to find out the hours. Last but not least, many students find it helpful to form study groups for doing homework and studying for tests. It is a great way to meet new people!

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Students are expected to work on their own during tests and quizzes. The first violation of this rule will result in a zero on the quiz or test. The second violation will result in a grade of “F” for the course.

I HOPE YOU HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER!!!