--Laurie Wern Overmann August 25, 2012

“Students learn math by doing math not by watching someone else do math” Students listen to the instructor while taking notes. Students work on MA101/MA102 ALEKS or MA134 MyMathLab during class. Instructor and additional graduate student are available. Students work on ALEKS or MyMathLab after class with many resources available.

1. Structure of Typical Beginning/Intermediate Algebra MA101/102 Class Students have a primary instructor and two graduate students split between two classrooms. Students work with a software product ALEKS. Students work within a course structure; they have 10 written quizzes (10%) on intermediate objectives. Students keep a notebook (10%). Students have a midterm (10%) and final (70%) exam.

Resources in Beginning/Intermediate Algebra MA101/102 These are helpful learning resources: ALEKS explanationExcellent mathematically accurate explanations. Access to textbookWithin ALEKS program Video LinksWith each ALEKs explanation Supplemental Materials Videos and virtual mathematic activities within ALEKS Khan Academy Videos Link under Watch tab, Math, Algebra. Type a topic.

Grades MA101/102 Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 10% Notebook 10% Quizzes 10% Midterm 70% Final Exam MA101 is CR/F. Students receive elective credit. “CR” has no impact of GPA; “F” has impact on GPA. MA102 is A,B,C,D, F. Students receive elective credit. Students can and are urged to complete both courses in one semester but must complete MA101 by October to be successful.

1. Structure of Typical College Algebra MA134 Class Before the day a section is covered: Students read notes before class time. Students do the Practice (unlimited) and Mastery Quiz (only twice). All MA134 students share a common website csm.semo.edu/ma134/. Videos on troublesome topics are available on the MA134 website. csm.semo.edu/ma134/

2. Structure of Typical College Algebra MA134 Class In class: The instructor will give a brief introduction to the topic. Students should take notes so student have worked out examples and explanations. Students will keep a notebook (to be scored) this semester. Students work on a Classwork assignment in class. This must be done during the class. Students have 7 written quizzes, 3 common exams and a common final exam.

Resources in College Algebra MA134 MyMathLab In MyMathLab, there are several helpful buttons. Help Me Solve ThisExercise “walk through” in small steps Similar ExerciseGenerates a new exercise for practice Video LinkShows a video explaining how to do a related exercise Textbook LinkLinks to the pages in the textbook to help with this type of exercise Ask My InstructorAsk My Instructor sends an to your instructor with a link to your exercise

Grades MA134 College Algebra 15% Getting Ready Quiz, Classwork, Homework 55% Three Tests 10% Quizzes 20% Final

Student Requirements Bring a notebook to class every day Bring a calculator (not a phone) which cannot be shared during tests or quizzes Students have access to an e-textbook. Students read and do some problems from the online software. Students may use electronic music devices.

Student Help Resources Math Learning Center Johnson 112 – computer lab with math tutors Johnson 104 – math tutors without computers but with WIFI connection Monday - Thursday ….8 am to 5 pm Friday …. 8 am to 2 pm Sunday …6 pm to 9 pm (the building will have at least one door open) Learning Assistance Programs (3 rd floor UC) Other tutoring labs are on campus (Towers)

Tutoring Best Practices Be supportive …. you are much better at math than they are. Be patient with them. Understanding is better than memorizing. Avoid “use this formula” or “do this trick”. For instance, expand by distribution instead of using a formula. Try to use the same techniques used by the instructor to avoid confusion. Encourage them to show work. Supportive work is expected and given points on tests.

Questions?