Welcome to MATH 1351.
In this class, we will be exploring ways to explain mathematical concepts to elementary school students. As we progress through this material, I think you will find that much has changed since you were in elementary school. Those of you that have small children have already seen this. Much of the focus in public education is getting the students prepared for standardized tests. Some of the work that you will be asked to do in this class will be basic math (to make sure you remember how to do it) and some of the work will be asking you to explain how to work a problem. While you may know more advanced ways to solve some of the problems, I want you to try to think like an elementary school student who hasn't had advanced algebra yet. For some work, I will ask you to draw pictures (they don't have to be fancy, this isn't art class), charts, or tables since that is how most of your students will solve the problem. We will be learning about geometric constructions, so you will need to get a compass and a straightedge (usually called a ruler, but I don't want you to rely on those markings.)
Before you begin working on your assignments, I would suggest either watching the videos, reading through any power points, or the ebook. Each of you will learn differently, so you will have to figure out how you learn best.
Each section in the textbook will have at least one similar problem that you will need to work out on paper and submit it online. If you are unable to submit the files, you may bring them to me, but send me an email so that we can make arrangements. Submit the first one early to make sure you can submit it in a file that I can open and grade. Please minimize your files to make them easier to read. For these problems, you will need a six-sided die, a compass, a protractor, a straightedge (ruler), and a couple of coins.
You will have a portion of your homework that is done online, using MyMathLab, so you will need an access code. You may purchase this code online by following the directions posted in the General Course Information module, or you may purchase it at the NCTC bookstore. Your quizzes will also be on MML. You will want to run the browser check since you may need to update your flash player (but that update should be free.) Your tests will also be completed online using MyMathLab. Check the calendar for dates. Your final exam will be completed on campus and will be paper and pencil.
The final will be given on the Corinth campus in room 217. Further information will be given as we approach the time for the final exam. Arrangements can be made to test at another campus using the testing center (testing hours will be different since they are set by the testing center.)
Remember, I am here to help you, but I can't do that if you don't let me know when you have questions. Since this is an online class, most communication will occur via email, so make sure you are checking it regularly. If you email me directly, please note that my email is tpruitt-britton@nctc.edu. You may also send a text to (214) 650-7783. Be sure to include your name and course so that I can know how to answer your question.
For those of you that took MATH 1350 in the last several semesters, your access code should still work since we will be using the same textbook.
Please introduce yourself on the discussion forum. This is an easy way to find someone (or a group) to help you study and progress through this class.
I'm very excited to work with you all this semester.
Tiffini Pruitt-Britton, M.Ed.