Math 52 --- Math Lab for Transfer Level Mathematics (Draft)
Catalog Description
A review of mathematical topics for students enrolled in any transfer level mathematics course. This lab will provide individualized instruction in a self-paced lab environment. Course-specific work will be assigned. This course is designed to support transfer level mathematics courses (15/25/30/50A/50B).
Special Notes or Advisories: Students should be enrolled in a transfer level mathematics course (15/25/30/50A/50B).
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.
- Read, write, and speak accurately about mathematical ideas and use correct mathematical notation.
- 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 the supported transfer level mathematics course.
- Use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal representations to solve problems and communicate mathematics.
Course Content
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Themes: What themes, if any, are threaded throughout the learning experiences in this course?
- Problem-solving
- Writing mathematics
- Technology
- Communication
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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.
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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?
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- Assess the plausibility of a solution to specific types of problems.
- Anticipate potential and predictable errors in homework and other assignments.
- Synthesize numerical, graphical, and symbolic solutions to mathematics problems.
- Analyze different algorithmic methods for their effectiveness and efficiency in solving problems.
- Solve specific mathematics problems by using textbooks from current mathematics courses.
- Solve specific mathematics problems by following examples from supplemental materials, such as self-paced workbooks, computer tutorials, and calculator manuals.
- 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 groups to complete assigned work.
- Participating in class assignments and discussions.
- Completing assignments in a timely fashion.
- Using computer-assisted testing 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:
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- Pretest and post-test.
- Required assessments for all sections - to include but not limited to:
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- Completion of course-specific online assignments.
Examples of Appropriate Texts or Other Readings
- Algebra and Trigonometry (Seventh Edition), Sullivan, Fall 2005.
- Calculus - Early Transcendentals (Fifth Edition), Stewart, 2003
- Interactive Statistics (Third Edition), Aliaga and Gunderson, 2006
- Text being used in current mathematics course.