Math1090 Spring 2011

Instructor: Napthalin, Achubang

Office: EV 4433

Tel: 269 387 4545

Office hours: Monday: 11am-1pm and Wednesday 11am-12noon at Rood Hall 2261

Email: achubang.a.napthalin@wmich.edu

 

Things to Note about the classroom environment and homework expectatiuons

  1. Every Friday you will be given a writing assignment and it is due the following Friday.
  2. Each writing assignment is due at the start of the Friday class.
  3. Writing assignment should be orderly presented.
    1. All papers should be stapled.
    2. The mathematics general office will be able to help you with a stapler. Endeavour to use that in case you do not have one. No writing assignment will be accepted with flying papers.
    3. No writing assignment will be collected after the due date, except with justification from doctors in case you went to hospital etc.
    4. If you will not be in class for any reason, ensure that your writing assignment due for that Friday reaches me on or before class time.
  4. This course does not require the use of calculators. In case you need one please buy one.
    1. No Cell phone will be accepted as calculator. If you need one, buy a calculator.
    2. ALL Cell phones and other electronic devices are expected to be turned off before each class.
    3. Make sure your phone does not ring while in class.
  5. You will be expected to work in groups to discuss some important concepts with other students.
    1. Be sure to be an active participant.
    2. Your class participation scores are based on these.
    3. You will be expected to volunteer to answer questions and make contributions in class.
    4. If you fail to volunteer and I notice your participation is low, I will call you to answer or ask a question in class.
    5. During the first weeks I will attempt to call you by name to answer questions in class so that I can know you.
    6. Feel free to share your ideas with others in your small groups and with the whole class.
    7. Most often, I will try to answer your questions by asking you questions that will cause you to think a little further. I might not tell you an answer directly, so be sure to cooperate. DonŐt feel angry. My goal is to promote your thinking and learning.
  6. If you want to talk in class, please raise your hand and you will be given the opportunity to talk. No random talking will be allowed in class during whole group discussion.
    1. You are expected to be very respectful to your instructor, yourself and your colleagues in class.
    2. There should be no quarreling in class for any reason. If you are upset, have your peace and report the matter to your instructor who is in charge.
    3. The instructor reserves the right to switch your seating position in class in case an unruly attitude is noticed.
  7. Make sure you read the course syllabus online and know what parts your final grade is made up of.  The syllabus as well as all the information for the course can be found on the developmental mathematics website: http://www.wmich.edu/math/developmental/
  8. Notebook check is another area studentsŐ often neglect. DonŐt neglect this for any reason.
    1. In class notes comprise what we do in class. Make sure it is complete and accurate.
    2. Post class notes are notes you take down after class to articulate your understanding of the main ideas examined/discussed in class. Make sure this is complete and accurate too.
  9. MathXL is COMPULSORY and NOT OPTIONAL.
    1. It makes up 15% of your final grade. Make sure you complete your online mathXL quizzes to earn this 15%.
    2. You may do each quiz as often as you like prior to the due date, so start them early and do them until you earn an A.
    3. In addition, if you complete a sample chapter tests in MathXL with a score of 85% or higher, then you will earn 10 extra credit points. You can earn 10 extra credit points for each of chapters 1 through 7 for a total of 70 extra credit points for MathXL.
  10. If you are asked to read and do anything before class, endeavor to do so because the next class will be based on this previous assignment.
  11. It is your responsibility to complete the work of any activity that we did not complete in class.
  12. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to catch up with the reading and understanding of what was taught in your absence.
    1. Check the math 1090 website to determine which activities were covered and do these activities.
    2. Work with a peer to create post class notes.
    3. Complete the MathXL quizzes associated with the activities.
    4. Determine if any homework was assigned for the next class and be sure to do this homework.
    5. If you have questions about the material, go to the tutor lab or contact your instructor.
  13. Tutor lab is where you get help for problems you do not understand. Tutors will also help you with your writing assignment, BUT donŐt expect them to do your homework for you.
    1. Tutors will help you to think further and deeper about the concept you are learning.
    2. The TUTOR is located on the second floor of ROOD HALL, Room 2261.
    3. Be sure you visit this place.
  14. Mathematics is a language. Learning a new language requires that you practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking the language.
  15. Diligence leads to success.