Math 152 --- The Math Lab

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Catalog Description

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A review of mathematical topics for students enrolled in any mathematics course. This lab will provide individualized instruction in a self-paced lab environment.

Special notes or advisories: Students should be enrolled in at least one mathematics course.

Prerequisites:

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

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.
  3. Use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal representations to solve problems and communicate with others.

Course Content

  • Themes: What themes, if any, are threaded throughout the learning experiences in this course?
    • Problem solving
    • Writing mathematics
    • Technology
    • Communication
  • 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.
  • 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 a mathematics class are applicable to classes in related fields.
  • Skills: What skills must students master to demonstrate course outcomes?
    1. Assess the accuracy of a solution to specific types of problems.
    2. Anticipate potential and predictable errors in their homework and other assignments.
    3. Synthesize numerical, graphical, and symbolic solutions to particular 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. Solve specific mathematics problems by seeking instructor guidance as necessary.

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.
  • Learning to work in cooperative problem solving to complete assigned work.
  • Participating in class assignments or discussions.
  • Completing assignments in a timely fashion.
  • Using technology to complete 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:
    • Pretest and post-test.
  • Required assessments for all sections – to include but not limited to:
    • Course-specific online examinations and assignments.

Examples of Appropriate Texts or Other Readings

  • Author: Department of Mathematics, College of the Redwoods; Title: Intermediate Algebra, Third Edition; Date: 2007
  • Author: Bittinger, Ellenbogen and Johnson; Title: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Graphs and Models, Custom Edition; Date: 2007