NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL COURSE SYLLABUS

TITLE OF COURSE: Math for the Elementary Teacher I (MTH 231)

DIVISION: Mathematics, Science, and Technology

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide appropriate insights into mathematics for students majoring in elementary education and to ensure that students going into elementary education are more than proficient at performing basic arithmetic operations. Topics include logic, sets and functions, operations and properties of whole numbers and integers including number theory; use of manipulatives by teachers to demonstrate abstract concepts; and by students while learning these abstract concepts as emphasized in the class. Upon completion, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in each topic studied as well as to learn teaching techniques that are grade level and subject matter appropriate, and test for mathematical proficiency and the learning of teaching concepts.

HOURS: Credit: 3 Contact: 3

Lecture: 3 Clinical: 0

Lab: 0

PREREQUISITE(S): As required by program.

COREQUISITE(S): None

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S): Mathematics for the Elementary Teacher: A Conceptual Approach; 6 th Edition; Albert B. Bennett, Jr. and L. Ted Nelson, McGraw Hill, 2004.

SUPPLIES: A scientific calculator is recommended.

GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVE: All associate degree graduates should be able to use the mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations needed in their field of study or occupation. (3)

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S): Upon successfully completing Math for the Elementary Teacher I, the student should be able to:

1. Define concepts of sets, perform various set operations, and draw Venn diagrams to illustrate union, intersection, and complement of sets.

2. Define and evaluate functions and graph linear functions.

3. Interpret graphs and demonstrate various problem solving strategies, including algebraic equation solving.

4. Use deductive reasoning to form logical conclusions.

5. Identify patterns in numbers such as: primes, composites, multiples and factors.

6. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers and integers.

7. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.

8. Use manipulatives to teach abstract concepts, and assist students in using manipulatives to learn abstract concepts through grade-appropriate learning centers.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

1. Course Grade Evaluation: (Minimum of 4 measurements)

A comprehensive final exam will be given and counted toward the student’s final average. Make-up examinations, as such, will not generally be given.

2. Evaluation of General Educational Objectives: Student success on the General Educational Objective (3) is measured by student performance on each of the course objectives, which require use of mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations. Performance on each course objective will be evaluated using appropriate problems from the final exam. Results will be tallied for each course objective.

3. Use of Findings: Instructors will analyze data gathered from the assessment(s) for each course objective and changes will be made based on identified weaknesses. The math department will meet once every five years to discuss findings and implement strategies to improve department and student performance.
   

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS:

I. Use of Manipulatives and Abstract Concepts (Emphasize throughout course)

II. Problem Solving

A. Introduction to Problem Solving

B. Patterns and Problem Solving

C. Problem Solving with Algebra

III. Sets, Functions and Reasoning

A. Sets and Venn Diagrams

B. Functions and Graphs

C. Introduction to Deductive Reasoning

IV. Whole Numbers

A. Numeration Systems

B. Addition and Subtraction

C. Multiplication

D. Division and Exponents

V. Number Theory

A. Factors and Multiples

B. Greatest Common Divisor

C. Least Common Multiple

VI. Integers and Fractions

A. Integers

B. Introduction to Fractions

C. Operations with Fractions

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY: It is the policy of Northwest-Shoals Community College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Any student covered under this act needing and desiring reasonable accommodations for this class should notify Linda Waide at 331-5321. See NWSCC catalog for additional details.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because class attendance is considered to be essential to the accomplishment of course objectives, excessive absences are discouraged. At no time should a student miss more than 20% of the class meetings for a course. These absences also include any absences accrued during late registration. Failure to adhere to the 20% policy may result in a failing grade based on academic performance. Students should discuss with the instructor what is considered “excessive” for a particular course. Any variation of this policy must be approved through the Chief Instructional Officer. A student who is absent due to required participation in a school activity must be allowed to make up work, according to guidelines issued by individual instructors.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: A student who is unable to complete a course is expected to withdraw from that course by the end of 60% of class meetings. A student who withdraws by the date published in the schedule will receive a grade of “W” for the course. This withdrawal is done only by student request. The grade of “W” is allowed regardless of the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.

After the designated date of class withdrawal, the approval of the Chief Instructional Officer is required prior to allowing a student to withdraw. The determination of “WP” (withdrawal passing) or “WF” (withdrawal failing) will be made by the instructor for the course and is based on the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.