Developmental

• Math 372
• Math 372L
• Math 376
• Math 376L
• Math 380
• Math 380L
• Math 101
• Math 120
• Math 120L

College Transfer

• Math 4
• Math 5
• Math 15
• Math 25
• Math 30
• Math 45
• Math 50A
• Math 50B
• Math 50C
• Math 52
• Math 55

Course Proposals (Drafts)

Course Outlines

• Course Outline Home Page

Math 120L --- Math Lab for Intermediate Algebra

Click here to download Curriculum Committee document

Catalog Description

Instructional support for students in Intermediate Algebra (Math 120), given in a self-paced lab environment. Students receive one-on-one and small-group instruction designed to enhance success in Math 120 (or similar course). Course-specific work will be assigned

Special notes or advisories: Students should be enrolled in Math 120.

Prerequisites

None

Describe representative skills without which the student would be highly unlikely to succeed:

None

Course Learning Outcomes

What should the student be able to do as a result of taking this course? State some of the objectives in terms of specific, measurable student accomplishments.

1. Read, write, and speak accurately about mathematical ideas and use correct mathematical notation.
2. Use technology to explore mathematical concepts and verify work. In particular, use computer-based assessment tools to gauge progress in mathematical topics currently under investigation in Math 120.
3. Use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal representations to solve problems and communicate mathematics.
4. Students should be able to explain the concept of function, identify the characteristics of different classes of functions, and use functions to solve problems in mathematics.
5. Students should be able to demonstrate the algebraic skills that will support success in their transfer level mathematics course.

Course Content

• Themes: What themes, if any, are threaded throughout the learning experiences in this course?
  • Problem-solving.
  • Writing mathematics.
  • Technology.
  • Communication.
  • Graphing and data analysis.
• Concepts: What concepts do students need to understand to demonstrate course outcomes?
  • The use of technology as a fundamental problem-solving tool.
  • The presentation of mathematical solutions in a logical coherent structure, including the use of fundamental writing skills, grammar, and punctuation.
  • The use of a systematic, step-wise problem solving process.
  • The recognition that proper symbolic manipulation is an important tool in multiple problem-solving situations.
  • Mathematics is used to model real-world situations and find solutions..
  • The connections between graphs and properties of functions.

• Issues: What primary issues or problems, if any, must students understand to achieve course outcomes.
  • The appropriate use of technology in the problem-solving process.
  • The connection between mathematics and the real world.
  • The role of the student in becoming a successful learner.
  • The recognition that the problem-solving skills learned in mathematics classes are applicable to related fields.
• Skills: What skills must students master to demonstrate course outcomes?
  1. Assess the plausibility of a solution to specific types of problems.
  2. Anticipate potential and predictable errors in homework and other assignments.
  3. Synthesize numerical, graphical, and symbolic solutions to mathematics problems.
  4. Analyze different algorithmic methods for their effectiveness and efficiency in solving problems.
  5. Solve specific mathematics problems by using textbooks from current mathematics courses.
  6. Solve specific mathematics problems by following examples from supplemental materials, such as self-paced workbooks, computer tutorials, and calculator manuals.
  7. Use the graphing calculator to identify the local extrema of a given polynomial function, and apply this optimization technique to real-world applications.
  8. Solve application problems involving motion and work.
  9. Solve real-world application problems involving compound interest, population growth, and radioactive decay.

Representative Learning Activities

What will the students be doing (i.e., Listening to lectures, participating in discussions and/or group activities, attending a field trip, etc.)? Relate the activities directly to the Course Learning Outcomes.

• Participating in tutorials with instructor and peers.
• Working independently to improve math skills and study skills.
• Assessing math weaknesses and working to find remedies for them.
• Completing computer based assignments.

Assessment Tasks

How will the student show evidence of achieving the Course Learning Outcomes? Indicate which assessments (if any) are required for all sections.

• Representative assessment tasks:
• • Pre-test and post-test
• Required assessments for all sections - to include but not limited to:
• • Completion of course-specific online assignments.

Examples of Appropriate Texts or Other Readings

• Author: Department of Mathematics, College of the Redwoods; Intermediate Algebra, Third Edition; Date: 2007
• OPTIMATH online software guide.