Math 211: Elementary Math I - Winter 2007

Instructor: Jodi Fasteen

• Office: M326 Neuberger Hall. This is located between the 3rd and 4th floors.
• Office hours:
  • Monday and Wednesday: 3:10 to 4pm,
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 2 to 3 pm
  or by appointment.
• e-mail: "jfasteen" at "pdx.edu"
• website: http://www.mth.pdx.edu/~jfasteen
• Homework

• Bennett and Nelson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Conceptual Approach
• Bennett and Nelson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: An Activity Approach

Prerequisites: The prereq for this course is Math 95 or its equivalent. Therefore, you should be familiar with problem solving, basic algebra, radicals and exponents. You should also be familiar with order of operations and fraction and decimal manipulation. The goal of Math 211 is to explore a variety of approaches to elementary school math topics. This requires that you have a level of confidence with these skills.

Topics and Goals: We will explore problem solving, whole number numeration and operations, number theory, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios. These topics are contained in the text in sections 1.1-1.3, 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1-6.3. There will be an underlying theme of problem solving in all of the topics we will cover.

Goals:

• Think visually with the aid of concrete models and diagrams
• Understand and connect ideas and concepts
• Problem solve and reason mathematically
• Invent procedures and make generalizations
• Communicate mathematically
• Respect and understand the mathematical thinking of others
• Enjoy learning and doing math!

Attendance: There is a strong emphasis in this course on activity based learning. You will be constructing your knowledge of math concepts by doing activities in small groups in class. Regular attendance is essential.

If you miss a class, you should arrange to get notes from a classmate. There are absolutely no make-ups without prior arrangement with the instructor or legitimate excuse such as a doctors note or funeral service card. A note from an employer is not a legitimate excuse. If you do need to make up an exam, you may need to pay a fee at the testing center for proctoring.

Disability Services: If you have a learning or physical disability and are in need of academic accommodations, please contact PSU’s Disability Services at 503-725-4150. They will determine any adjustments that need to be made for your individual needs.

Grading:

Homework Assignments	25%
In Class Activities	10%
Quizzes	15%
Midterms (2)	30%
Final Exam	20%

Grading	Scale
A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	0 - 59%

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments must be submitted on time. If you will be missing a class, please contact me ahead of time to make arrangements for submitting homework. Email is the best way to make these arrangements, as it provides me with a handy reminder.

Homework will generally be from the following four categories:

• Textbook problems
• Workbook problems
• Writing assignments: These should be typed and proofread before submitting. Hand written versions will generally not be accepted. I'll give more specifics later.
• Worksheets given in class

Prerequisite material is fair game for quizzes. i.e. The correct use of order of operations and fraction operations is expected.