Course Description:

A course designed to (1) refine and reinforce the practitioner's mathematical skills and understanding, (2) expose the student to current issues in the teaching of mathematics as a profession, and (3) train specially selected math students as peer tutors.  To integrate theory with practice, the student participates under supervision in all aspects of teaching in a modern mathematics laboratory.  Five laboratory hours per week. 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to …..

Demonstrate improved mathematical skills and understanding

• Accurately perform a majority of the basic skills generally associated with basic mathematics, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra.

Demonstrate an awareness of current issues in the teaching and learning of mathematics

• Define and discuss "math anxiety," recognize it in students, and tutor in such a way as to avoid causing or increasing it in students.

• Discuss other relevant topics, e.g. learning mathematics at a distance (online courses), the use of technology in the classroom, cooperative learning techniques, writing across the curriculum, trends in mathematics achievement scores, and what steps are being taken to improve mathematics education.

• Accurately assess one's own ability and interest in teaching mathematics as a career.

Exercise effective practices, confidence, and maturity as a peer tutor of mathematics

• Practice basic recommended guidelines for the tutor of mathematics.

• Tutor in a manner that accommodates different learning styles, as well as right and left brain approaches to learning.

• Identify problems and select appropriate means for solving them.

• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills while tutoring individuals and small groups in mathematics.

• Adhere to a strict code of ethics when tutoring mathematics.

Effectively use technology as an aid in teaching mathematics

• Use a course management system such as Desire2Learn to create and access online course materials for mathematics students.

• Demonstrate an awareness of the existence of test generating software used to create online tutorials, quizzes, and tests for math students.

Prerequisites:

Two years of high school algebra and an acceptable placement score, or DSPM 0850.  Permission of instructor. (Student must be recommended.)  Not intended for transfer.

• Connection to the web through a dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP)  
• Required Textbooks (see below)
• Scientific or Graphing Calculator
• Some proficiency in using the email, discussion board, and other components of Desire2Learn
• Cell phones must be turned off before coming to class.

• Hemispheric Mode Indicator (HMI), purchased from Instructor
• Learning Type Measure (LTM), purchased from Instructor
• Guidelines for the Tutor of Mathematics, Kepner and Johnson, loaned to student by Instructor

Pens, paper, etc. may be purchased at the VSCC Bookstore.

Specific hardware requirements for this course include a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator. Hand-held computers and programmable computer-like calculators (like the TI-89 or TI-92) are not permitted.  You will use the computers in room 124 of the Warf Building, and at other locations on campus and/or at your home.  Off campus computers may be used, but must be correctly configured.  JavaScript must be enabled.  Cookies must be enabled.  Desire2Learn maintains a System Check to make sure your browser will work well with D2L.  You will also need a printer linked to your computer.

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Prompt and regular attendance is expected.  Each practitioner is allowed three absences without penalty, but these excused absences should not be taken during the first three weeks of the semester (if it can be avoided).  An absence during this training period may cause special problems for the student and extra work for the instructor.  Absences in excess of five must be made up by working the same period of time in another lab class or the "Open Lab" under the supervision of the Math Lab Director.  Absences (not made up) in excess of five may cost the student a letter grade.  Absences in excess of ten could result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the course by the instructor.  (See the VSCC Catalog.)  Students on financial aid are reminded that not attending class may result in the requirement that grant money be repaid.

TARDINESS is defined as entering the room after the official starting time for the class.  Two instances of tardiness will count as one absence.  It is the responsibility of a student who is tardy, at the end of the class, to ask the instructor to modify the attendance record.  Tardiness is considered an avoidable class disruption; persistent tardiness will not be tolerated.

LEAVING CLASS EARLY (before dismissal by the instructor) is permitted in emergency situations.  In non-emergency cases, such as a doctor’s appointment, the student should notify the instructor at the beginning of class that he/she will be leaving early and should sit close to the door in order to minimize disruption to the class.

The INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY for this class is as follows:  If VSCC is officially open, this class will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled tests or quizzes will be given.  If VSCC is officially closed, all assignments or tests scheduled for that day are automatically rescheduled for the next regular class meeting.

Quizzes:  A number of short quizzes and/or surveys will be announced during the semester.  All scheduled quizzes will be online (multiple choice and/or short answer).  Quiz problems must be worked on paper with answers submitted online to the instructor by the stated deadline.  The course handbook, various textbooks, and course notes may be used as a resource when doing a quiz, but assistance from another person is not permitted.  A score of zero will be assigned for each quiz not completed and submitted by the stated deadline.  Credit may be given for a late quiz at the discretion of the instructor, provided the student contacts the instructor to offer an explanation, preferably in advance to request an extension.

Tests:  Traditional paper tests are not given to the practitioners in this course.  Students with different mathematical backgrounds are evaluated with a variety of diagnostic instruments.  Customized online practice tests and diagnostic tests are administered to help the students “fill in the gaps” in their mathematical skills.  Results of these tests may be considered in determining the student’s final grade.

 

Grades:  Student practitioners are evaluated objectively and subjectively on the basis of their performance in various aspects of the course.  The deciding factors are approximately as follows:  tutoring (30%), homework and class work (30%), attendance (20%), attitude (10%), and initiative (10%).

Possible grades are A, B, C, D, F, I, or W.  A grade of W will be assigned only if the student goes through formal withdrawal procedures (refer to the college catalogue) by the "last day to withdraw from classes."

A mark of I (incomplete) will be assigned only under unusual extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the instructor.  In this case, all work must be completed by one week before the first day of final exams of the next semester (summers not included), or the I will be changed to F.  The student is reminded that course grades are influenced by absences and tardiness (see "Attendance").