Needed supplies: Textbook, Math XL code, Graphing Calculator (TI-83 or 84), 3 ring binder with 4 section tabs, pencils, erasers, paper.

In college, 2-3 hours out of class is expected for every hour in class, this means 6-9 hours outside of class should be spent on Algebra each week. But don’t spin your wheels. Use your time well by utilizing ALL your resources:

Tutor Lab 2261 Rood Hall

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

I am there for my office hours on Tues. 10:30-12:30,Wed. 12-2 & Fri. from 12-1PM.

Supplemental Instruction Review Sessions: Take good advantage of these one hour sessions offered three times per week. These sessions help to answer any questions you may have. Watch your e-mail and class announcements for these dates and times. They will be on the website soon.

MathXL www.mathxl.com (Be sure to save some Scratch work for each section & keep in one section of your notebook!) Purchase a code with your text book. A hot link to the web-site as well as detailed instructions on how to register is available on the developmental web-site.

Use correct course codes when prompted. (Be sure to switch to a single box before you copy and paste.)

MWF 8AM CRN: 45493 Course Code: XL0R-J1EB-901Z-4822

MWF10AM CRN: 43458 Course Code: XL0R-J1DQ-701Z-3822

MWF11AM CRN: 43457 Course Code: XL0R-J1DL-601Z-8822

Writing Assignments

Given every Thursday collected ONE week later AT BEGINNING OF CLASS stapled with original handout as a coversheet and rough edges removed. NO LATE WRITING ASSIGNMENTS WILL EVER BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS, EVER. (Even if you are only 5 minutes late to class or are sick.) The lowest writing assignment grade will be dropped. Each should take 3-4 hours to complete. May be done and turned in as groups of no more than 3 with the understanding that any of the questions are possible exam questions. Each person must have a copy of the graded writing assignment in their own notebook. (Photo copies okay.) If turned in as a group, all get the same grade. If you are absent, you or a friend may turn in your writing assignment before class time to my mailbox in the math office of Everett tower, 3^rd floor or you may scan and e-mail it to me.

Binders (You must sign up for a time for it to be graded by me in the tutor lab before exams 1 and 2)

It will be graded one final time during your final exam. Includes: 1.) Activities and in-class notes, 2.) Post class notes, 3.) Math XL Scratch work, 4.) All graded and returned work: Quizzes, Writing assignments & exams. If you miss your scheduled time for notebook check, you will automatically lose 10 points of the possible 30 and must reschedule.

Regular Exams (Given in normal classrooms and timed at 50 minutes!)

	Exam 1 Wednesday	September 28th Exam 2 Monday
	Exam 1 Wednesday	September 28th Exam 2 Monday
	Exam 1 Wednesday	September 28th Exam 2 Monday

Final Exam Schedule:

MWF 8AM CRN: 45493 Tues., Dec 13 8-10 AM

MWF10AM CRN: 43458 Mon., Dec. 12 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM

MWF11AM CRN: 43457 Wed., Dec. 14 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Grade breakdown

Exams (3) at 13% each                                                                           39% of final grade
Comprehensive Final                                                                             25% of final grade
Online Homework: MathXL                                                                15% of final grade
Class Participation (see rubric on last page Syllabus)    6% of final grade
Other Assignments (Quizzes, WA’s and Notebook)            15% of final grade

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: These are a few things for you to remember and to consider throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to read this, and it is here for your benefit. (I guarantee it WILL save you time.) Note that this means I may refuse to answer a question that is answered in this note and instead just refer you back to it. Everything is spelled out in detail on the website so please refer to that with any questions. www.wmich.edu/math/developmental

Unless otherwise stated, finish the Activities that we start in class for homework. You need only to complete up until the summary on each Activity. (The “gray box”.) Therefore, the exercises are not necessary but suggested if you want extra practice. By completing the activity, you ensure that if you have any questions about any of the material, I can answer them when we return the next day. Make sure to do the Activities so you can put them in your notebook and use them to study from later. Recall that I do grade your notebook and will watch for complete work. Make yourself notes so that you can use your notebook as a study guide for test time, and later when you take your next math course. Write full sentences for your “explain” questions and show all of your work for the computational questions. This is especially important on Exams since no work could result in zero credit.

Writing Assignments should be organized, readable, and be stapled with rough edges removed and cover sheet attached. Points will be docked if the presentation of your homework is not acceptable under these guidelines. Remember; if I can’t read it, I won’t grade it. There is a written assignment due every Friday AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS, unless otherwise stated. This means you need to come to class every Friday on time and stay to the end to receive the new assignment. If you do not, you need to contact a classmate to get the assignment. If you are absent on the day a homework assignment is due, you are still expected to turn it in on time. A homework assignment must be turned into my mailbox before class time on the due date (mailbox is in the Math office on the 3rd floor of Everett Tower). Late assignments will be given a grade of zero. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You should contact me (via email is best) if you know that you will not be in class on a given day, this is just a courtesy. You should contact a classmate to find out what you missed on that day, NOT ME!!

Remember you have 42 hours a week that you can visit the tutoring lab for help, as well as my office hours there on Tues. 10:30-12:30,Wed. 12-2 & Fri. from 12-1PM, 2261 Rood Hall, and your classmates/groups that you can speak with. You also have the opportunity to e-mail me at anytime and I will answer ASAP. You should also utilize the section leader review sessions.

Remember Math XL is there for your benefit. You can do quizzes infinite times until the due date/ time. So start early!! It suggests study plan questions, gives you extra help, and explains concepts in a way that you may understand better than my explanation or the book’s explanation. It also has the quizzes which are an integral part of your coursework. They are also worth 15% of your grade. This means that if you do not complete your math XL, even if you do everything else in the class nearly perfectly, the best grade you can possibly receive is a B. Your final grade will be lowered by one full letter grade if Math XL average is less than a 75%.

Lastly, a good way to study for exams is to go through your Writing Assignments and to go through the sections in your book called "What have I learned" and "How can I study". These are all questions that will be similar to those on your exams. Also remember, frustration is part of learning. If you get frustrated with the teaching style, group members, material, or anything else, talk to me. I am here to help you learn and to teach you how to better prepare yourself and succeed in classes and jobs in the future. You may not use everything you learn in this class, but by knowing everything else you will be a more knowledgeable person. So give this class as much attention as you would give any of your classes or any job. Any other questions please ask. If you feel the need to speak with me on any sensitive issues outside of my office hours in the tutor lab, please e-mail and we can set up an appointment in my office.

Mrs. Nic