Dr. Leveille         leveillen@uhd.edu     713-221-2723 (office S748)

http://cms.uhd.edu/Faculty/LeveilleN

Spring 2010 Office Hours: MW 11:15-12noon (from A628); TR 2:15-2:45pm (from A607); 5:15-5:45pm (from A630)

 

COURSE Syllabus for: Math Concepts I (3 credit hours) Math 3321-20737 at 4-5:15pm TR in A630.

 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Topics are chosen from logic, set theory, mathematical systems, number theory, problem solving, estimation, and historical number systems.

 

PREREQUISITE: A grade of C or better in Math 1301 or Math 1310. Restricted to students in Urban Education or permission of CMS department chair.

 

AUDIENCE: This is a junior level mathematics education course which requires a background consisting of one semester of college-level algebra. The course is primarily intended for majors in education.

 

PURPOSE: This course strengthens and provides the background in mathematics necessary for teachers. Emphasis is on word problems, use of TI 73 calculators, NCTM and State of Texas Standards. Required for some education certification.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the completion of the course, the student – as a future mathematics teacher - should be able to:

I.

 

Department:

 

1.

Use a variety of problem solving skills for word problems.

 

2.

Perform and explain arithmetic with diverse historical number systems and various number bases.

 

3.

Understand and explain place value.

 

4.

Perform and explain arithmetic with whole numbers in a variety of modes.

 

5.

Perform and explain estimation calculations.

 

6.

Perform and explain calculations using algebraic thinking.

 

7.

Perform and explain arithmetic and number theory with integers.

 

8.

Perform and explain arithmetic with rational numbers as fractions.

 

9.

Perform and explain arithmetic with decimals and real numbers.

II.

 

Texas State Board of Educator Certification Mathematics Generalist Standards

 

Standard I.

Number Concepts: The mathematics teacher understands and uses numbers, number systems and their structure, operations and algorithms, quantitative reasoning, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum* (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

 

Standard II.

Patterns and Algebra: The mathematics teacher understands and uses patterns, relations, functions, algebraic reasoning, analysis, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum* (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

 

Standard V.

Mathematical Processes: The mathematics teacher understands and uses mathematical processes to reason mathematically, to solve mathematical problems, to make mathematical connections within and outside mathematics, and to communicate mathematically.

 

Standard VI.

Mathematical Perspectives: The mathematics teacher understands the historical development of mathematical ideas, the interrelationship between society and mathematics, and the evolving nature of mathematics and mathematical knowledge.

 

Standard VII.

Mathematical Learning and Instruction: The mathematics teacher understands how children learn and develop mathematical skills, procedures, and concepts, knows typical errors students make, and uses this knowledge to plan, organize, and implement instruction; to meet curriculum goals; and to teach students to understand and use mathematics.

 

Standard VIII

Mathematical Assessment: The mathematics teacher understands assessment and uses a variety of formal and informal assessment techniques appropriate to the learner on an ongoing basis to monitor and guide instruction and to evaluate and report student progress.

 

Standard IX.

Professional Development: The mathematics teacher understands mathematics teaching as a profession, knows the value and rewards of being a reflective practitioner, and realizes the importance of making a lifelong commitment to professional growth and development.

*Available from the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part II, Chapter 111  Web site: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter111/index.html

 

TEXTBOOKS: A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, Tenth Edition, by Billstein, Libeskind, and Lott, Addison Wesley, Boston, MA, 2009.

            Connecting Mathematics for Elementary Teachers,  by Feikes, Schwingendorf, and Gregg, Pearson Addison-Wesley, Boston, MA, 2009.

            MyMathLab Access Kit, Addison Wesley. Textbooks available in the UHD bookstore are bundled (ISBN 0321570553) with a student access code for MyMathLab which is a comprehensive mathematics program that algorithmically generates and automatically grades online homework assignments/quizzes. The code further provides online access to many publisher services as well as a complete electronic version of the text. With your code you will access assignments for your course using the directions on hardcopy handout.

Through the UHD Portal, http://www.pearsoncustom.com/tx/uhd_math, students have access to all Pearson student services as well as current course materials and review materials for prerequisite courses.

COURSE CONTENT:

UNITS WITH APPROXIMATE TIME

TEXT REFERENCE

Unit I – TEXAS State Board for Educator Certification Standards

Mathematics problems and discussion.

 

Unit II – NCTM Standards**

Mathematics problems and discussion.

Throughout text

Unit II – An Introduction to Problem Solving (4 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Mathematics and problem solving; explorations with patterns; reasoning and logic.

Sections 1.1 – 1.3

Unit III – Numeration System and Sets (3 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Numeration systems; describing sets; set operations and their properties.

Sections 2.1 – 2.3

Unit IV – Whole Numbers and Their Operations (5 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Addition and subtraction of whole numbers; algorithms for whole-number addition and subtraction; multiplication and division of whole numbers; algorithms for whole-number multiplication and division; mental mathematics and estimation for whole-number operations.

Sections 3.1 – 3. 5

Unit V – Algebraic Thinking  (5 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Variables; equations; functions.

Sections 4.1 – 4.3

Unit VI – Integers and Number Theory (7 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Integers and the operations of addition and subtraction; multiplication and division of integers; divisibility; prime and composite numbers; greatest common divisor and least common multiple.

Sections 5.1 – 5.5

Unit VII – Rational Numbers as Fractions (5 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: The set of rational numbers; addition, subtraction, and estimation with rational numbers; multiplication and division of rational numbers.

Sections 6.1 – 6.3

Unit VIII – Decimals and Real Numbers (9 hours)

Topics or techniques to be covered include: Introduction to decimals; operations on decimals; non-terminating decimals; real numbers.

Sections 7.1 – 7.4

Section 7.5 (optional)

**Available from: http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=4294967312 

 

STATEMENT ON REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: UHD adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act should register for services in S409 (713-221-8430) and contact me in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

 

GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES: All students are subject to the University of Houston-Downtown’s Academic Honesty Policy and to all other university-wide policies and procedures as they are set forth in the University of Houston-Downtown Catalog and Student Handbook.

EVALUATION:  

1.      Title                                         Value  Due Date

Test I                                       1/5 (100 points)          T, February 16th

Test II                                      1/5 (100 points)          R, March 11th 

Test III                                     1/5 (100 points)          T, April 13th 

Time and Effort                       1/5 (100 points)          composed of daily:

            MyMathLab (50 points)

            Daily Class Work (50 points)

Final Exam                              1/5 (100 points)          R, May 6th at 4 – 6:30pm

 

2.      Additional Points (adds to “Daily Class Work” points): Pass in hardcopy showing complete work explaining answers to the online Mathematics problems on a printout of the TExAS Preparation Manuals found at: http://texes.ets.org/texes/prepMaterials   One point for each ten correct answers accompanied by a complete explanation showing all necessary work along with your understanding and teaching insights. Due no later than 5:45pm April 22nd.

i)                    #101 Generalist EC-4 (Mathematics starts around page 66)

ii)                  #111 Generalist 4-8

iii)                #135 Mathematics 8-12

 

3.      The final course average will be used to assign the final course grade according to the standard college formula:

450 – 500 points => 90 – 100 p A

400 – 449 points => 80 – 89   p B

350 – 399 points => 70 – 79   p C

300 – 349 points => 60 – 69   p D

     0 – 299 points => 0 – 59   p F

Note:

NO make-ups will be given. YOU are expected to come to every class, be on time, take notes, read the textbooks, do the MyMathLab online assignments corresponding to the material discussed in class. If you miss a test, see me as soon as possible. (I will do your current average and we can discuss your options.) You will take the test as a required  “Daily Class Work”assignment.

 

There are no classes March 15 - 19th. Last university class day is M, May 3rd. Pass in a bluebook by the last day of class if you want scrap paper on the final.

 

Grades available officially at www.uhd.edu/eservices from noon May 21st.

 

 

Suggestions from the Fall 2007 class on being successful in math:

            Practice, practice, practice! When you practice you will feel comfortable with what you are doing and you will get better and better at it. That goes for everything in life.

            Continue w/the online quiz taking, it helps a great deal to prepare for the test.

            Never take this course in the summer.

            I think the practice test online help a lot. We got a better idea of what to study.

·        Come to class

·        Watch deadlines

·        Do your Math labs

·        If a quiz or review is given- work them out and study them.

I would say to ask a lot of questions and go talk to the teacher alone for one on one help. (for clarification) And don’t get up on a problem and be prepared by studying to take a test.

Go to class Do Homework Study!

I really liked the practice tests; I would do them for all the tests.

Do the MML assignments before she teaches the material in class, that way it will be repetitive in your mind. Good luck J

Be patient and understanding Never give up and keep striving for the best. It may get stressful but think positive and try to make it fun.

In order to be successful in Math students should do the homework assigned to make sure they understand and develop a study group for help and support. Ask questions when something is not clear and do some practice tests in each chapter – some of the answers are in the back to check yourself.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Just work hard to do their work on time.

I believe that if you continue to do the quizzes online it would help a whole lot.

To be successful in this class I need determination, eagerness to learn, set goals that I need to accomplish, and be responsible with all my work.

 

 

Questions from students: I’m having trouble accessing the standards. Do I need to sign up for it to get to them? Am I missing a link? Can I do it for free? Help?

Use the inside cover of your book. If that is not detailed enough go to http://www.nctm.org/standards by clicking on this live link. On left, in the purple band, at NCTM Standards click on Standards electronic (a pop-up when the cursor is on NCTM Standards) then click on Math Standards and Expectations. Scroll through for what you want.

If this does not work come to my office and you can try it here.

Dr. Leveille

 

Reading Recommendations:

 

TAC Standards, TEKS for Mathematics, are found at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter111/index.html

 

Math3321Fall2006CurriculumFocalPointsReleased.htm

 

Rubrics can be created at      http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

 

Good books to use for Connections (NCTM Standards) DoCountingBooksAddup?NCTMConnections11-6-2004

            NCTMWorkshop11-6-04Docounting booksaddup.htm

 

A Variety of Assessment Strategies CurrentIssuesinMathematicsEducationCoursesMAAAugust42005.ppt

 

See also: Special “Interest Links” on my home page.