MTH 65—Self-Directed Elementary Algebra
Course Syllabus, Summer 2012
CRNs 10184, 14248, 12987
Instructor:
Bethany Pratt
Email:
[email protected]
Course website: http://elearning.linnbenton.edu/
What is MTH 65?
Topics include graphing linear, quadratic and exponential functions; solving linear and
quadratic equations; solving application problems; using linear and non-linear models.
Elementary Algebra is intended for students who have:
• completed MTH 60, Introduction to Algebra, or
• had some algebra but need a review before taking MTH 95, Intermediate Algebra.
What is a Self-Directed Math Course?
This course operates on an individualized basis. You will study by doing some or all of the
following: reading your textbook, watching video lectures, and using online learning
resources. There are no lectures or classes to attend at a specific time; however, there are test
deadlines. When you need one-on-one help, you can meet with your instructor or an
Instructional Assistant at any LBCC math help desk. You will take online quizzes in order to
prepare for the tests. All tests are pencil and paper and taken at any of the LBCC Learning
Centers.
A Reality-Check Before You Get Started
1. Are you a highly motivated math student?
2. Are you able to manage your time effectively and not procrastinate?
3. Are you able to dedicate 12 hours a week for math study?
4. Do you have easy computer access, either at LBCC, at home, or at work?
If you answered “YES” to all the above questions then this self-directed course may be for you.
If you answered “No” to any of the questions, you might think about whether you’d be better
off in a traditional classroom-based course.
How can I be successful in a self-directed class?
•
•
•
Make time in your personal schedule for 12 hours of math each week.
Stick to your schedule – don’t procrastinate.
Keep in touch with me; send me an email when you have questions.
MTH 65 self-directed- Page
1
What materials do I need?
•
•
•
•
Textbook: Elementary Algebra LBCC Math Dept., 2011
Module packet: MTH 65 Self-Directed Course Materials
Graphing calculator (TI-83 or 84 recommended, other models may not be approved.
Check with me if you have something different.)
An email account (If you don’t have an email address, LBCC will provide one for you.
Go to this website: http://www.linnbenton.edu/apply)
Optional materials:
• Elementary Algebra Videos (online, or in the bookstore, Learning Center or Library)
• A 3-ring binder, blank paper, ruler, and graph paper or “Post-it graphs”
Note: These items are all available at any LBCC bookstore. Be careful not to purchase the
materials for classroom-based instruction.
GRADING INFORMATION
There are 4 tests and 3 activities that make up your grade. There are some additional
assignments that you must complete that don’t contribute points toward your grade. The first
is that you must take all online quizzes for each module (and pass at 80%) before you can test
for the module. Second, there is a Proficiency Test that you must pass at 95%. There is more
information on this further down in the syllabus.
Grades are based on:
A = 100 - 90% B = 89 - 80% C = 79 - 70% D = 69 - 60% F = 59 - 0%.
You will not earn any credits nor earn one of the above grades if any of the following apply:
• You do not pass module tests 1, 2 & 3 with 70%
• You do not pass module test 4 with 60%
• You do not pass the proficiency test with 95%
• You do not complete all four module tests
If you fall into the above category, you will earn a grade of Y or WP (as determined by your
instructor). Both of these grades mean you will have to retake the entire class.
Note: Students who may need accommodations due to documented disabilities, who have
medical information which the instructor should know, or who need special arrangements in an
emergency, should speak with the instructor during the first week of class. If you have not
accessed services and think you may need them, please contact Disability Services, 917-4789.
LBCC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native
language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, age,
or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
MTH 65 self-directed- Page
2
Step-by-Step Directions through a Module
1. Study/Learn the material. This process will be different for everyone but here are some
ways you may choose to prepare:
• Brush-up worksheet in the module packet
• Read the sections in the text/study examples, etc.
• Watch the video lectures (check them out the Learning Center or buy them
at the bookstore)
• Do the homework exercises listed in the module packet.
2. Take the online quizzes. For each section in the book there is an online quiz that you must
take. You may retake Quizzes and you must get at least 80% on every quiz. Take the
Module Review Quiz after you finish all of the Section Quizzes. This last quiz covers all the
topics in the module.
3. Request a test ticket. When you have scored at least 80% on the all of the quizzes, send
me an e-mail requesting a Ticket for the Module 1 Test (or Module 2, 3, or 4). To be safe,
you should allow 24-hours for a response from me (longer on weekends).
4. Complete the Activity for the Module (and turn it in) either before or after taking the test.
This is found in the materials you purchased (module packet). Activities are turned in at
any LBCC Learning Center.
5. Take the module test. Print out the ticket that I email to you and take it to your favorite
LBCC Learning Center. You’ll need photo ID, too.
Information on Testing
Before you email me for a test ticket, you must have 80% or better on each of the online
quizzes for the module. Remember, you can retake a quiz if you need to boost your score
or your confidence.
After you take the test, it will be sent to me to grade. This takes several days. As soon as
I’ve graded it, I’ll post your score online.
Your test will be sent back to your “home base” campus and put in the file. You can review
it if you like.
If you score less than 70% on a module test (60% on mod 4) you must retake the test. The
score on a retest is capped at 80%.
You can take a test after the deadline, however the score is capped at 80%. Additionally, if
you need to retake a test that was taken late, the score on the retest is capped at 70%.
MTH 65 self-directed- Page
3
Information on the Proficiency Test
The Proficiency Test is really a skills check. It consists of 10 questions covering basic algebra
from modules 1 and 2. In order to check that you have these skills, you are required to pass the
proficiency test without a calculator. The test is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. To pass the test,
you must score 95% - meaning you can only make one, or possibly two small mistakes. (And
yes, there are retakes—up to two times a week.)
There is more information on the Proficiency Test in the Module 3 packet. Email me for a
ticket when you are ready to take the proficiency test. You need a new ticket from me every
time you take the test.
Information about Activities
Modules 1, 2 and 3 have an activity. An activity is an extended assignment that requires you to
apply mathematics to a problem situation and write about your solutions. Activities allow you
to see how well you understand and can apply the mathematics you have studied.
You’ll find a “Grading Sheet” for the activity followed by a “Preparation” and then the Activity
itself. When you complete the activity, you can turn it in, along with the Grading Sheet and
Preparation, to the Learning Center at an LBCC campus. Allow several days to a week for
activities to be graded and posted. Your activities will be returned to your home base for you to
review.
Need help?
Math Help Desks are located at all three campus locations: Albany, Corvallis, and
Lebanon. You are welcome to use any, or all, of these help desks. For hours and
locations, see the “Resources” tab in our course in Moodle or check on my website.
Short video explanations for each section in the book are available online, as well as
being available for checkout at any Learning Center or for purchase at any LBCC
bookstore.
Hints for how to do most homework problems are available online from the Learning
Center’s Math Help page.
Calculators are available to check-out or rent. Videos showing how to use your
calculator are available as well.
You can use e-mail to ask me questions ([email protected]) or we can set up an
appointment to meet face to face.
MTH 65 self-directed- Page
4
Course Schedule and Test Deadlines
Below is a schedule to help you make good progress and complete the material by the end of
the term.
Week of:
June 25-28
July 2-5
July 9-12
July 16-19
July 23-26
July 1-Aug 2
Aug 6- 9
Aug 13-16
Aug 20-23
Aug 27-30
Material to Cover (Assignments & Quizzes):
Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Sections 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, Activity 1
Mod 1 Quiz, Mod 1 Test, Sections 2.1, 2.2
Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6
Mod 2 Quiz, Mod 2 Test, Activity 2, Prof test prep
Section 3.1, Proficiency Test, Sections 3.2, 3.3
Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, Mod 3 Quiz, Retake Prof Test
Mod 3 Test, Activity 3, Sections 4.1, 4.2, Retake Prof Test
Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, Retake Prof Test
Retake Prof Test, Mod 4 Quiz, Mod 4 Test
The following table gives suggested test dates, as well as deadlines. The suggested dates
indicate when you should aim to test. The deadline tells when you must test by in order to
earn full credit for the test. The “last chance” is the final opportunity for you to take the test
this quarter.
Module
1
Suggested
Test Date
Tue, July 10
Test
Deadline
Wed, July 11
Last chance
for this test
Thur, Aug 9
2
Tue, July 24
Wed, July 25
Thur, Aug 9
Proficiency Test
Tue, July 31
Thur, Aug 2
Wed, Aug 29
3
Mon, Aug 13
Tue, Aug 14
Wed, Aug 29
4
Tue, Aug 28
Tue, Aug 28
Wed, Aug 29
LAST DAY to turn in Activities: Monday, Aug 20, 2012
Notice: You must pass the module 1 and 2 tests by Thursday, Aug 9th, otherwise
you will be unable to complete the course.
MTH 65 self-directed- Page
5