Reality TV Math - Teaching Rigorous Math to a Reality TV Society

Background: How I Taught Precalculus For Last 15 Years Lecture on topic Give examples that illustrate a step-by-step method Students copy what I write on board Have students do similar problems alone or in informal groups Class notes available online See and

Assessment Used In My Traditional Precalculus Course Students are assigned homework problems. Quizzes and tests use problems similar or identical to homework. >90% = A, 80-89% = B, etc. Tests & quizzes make up 85% of grade. HW & projects make up 15%

Benefits of My Traditional Method Very predictable for student Stresses mastery of algebra skills needed for higher mathematics Notes are online if student misses class

Drawbacks of My Traditional Method Too predictable for student? Mastery of step-by-step skills without underlying understanding is possible Notes are online so absenteeism is high if attendance not part of grade General student enthusiasm is low and seems to get lower each year

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus Begin each day with motivational example of how algebra is beneficial See Lecture on concepts and properties See Use examples to illustrate properties when needed Students are given Property Sheets and make side notes CONTINUED

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus Students are split up in groups See Students do group exercises in a game-like setting Justification of steps using a 2-column method Groups providing most solutions each week get Extra Credit Use of multimedia & movies for comprehension checks and Application Problems Grade is based on Exams, HW, and Group Participation

Tentative Assessment Breakdown 4 Unit Tests at 100 pts each = 400 pts Final Exam at 200 pts = 200 pts Approximately 100 Group Exercises = 200 pts Lose Points If absent 4 HW Sets handed in at 20 pts each = 80 pts TOTAL POSSIBLE = 880 pts Group Participation XC Up To 2 pts/wk = 30 pts Early HW Submission = 1 pt/wk = 15 pts XC TOTAL EXTRA CREDIT POSSIBLE = 45 Pts

Anticipated Benefits Students will gain an appreciation for direct and indirect value of algebra Students will obtain a better ability to logically & deductively solve problems Students will become more familiar and comfortable with formal proof Students learn teamwork skills Less student boredom

Anticipated Obstacles Students may revolt and insist on traditional instruction - Many students believe that when a problem is not easy to understand upon quick inspection, it is not worthwhile Students may resent required attendance - If they miss, they lose points. Only official school activities qualify for exemption Students may resist performing assigned group member duties These resources available at