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Lisa (Elizabeth) Erickson

The following information comes from the named instructor and should describe characteristics general to courses as taught by this instructor. Individual sections of specific courses will deviate from this description in some respects.

Class Format

Interactive.  Some lecture and notes, interspersed with in-class practice activities and discussions.   We do hands-on activities with manipulatives and real-life examples whenever possible.  When we do lecture and notes, I give note-taking outlines, so that students can focus on working out the problems, rather than spending a lot of time on copying-down the problems.

Resource Use

Textbook: I often ask students to prepare for each class by looking at a few selected examples or discussions in the textbook.  These short "Getting Ready for Class" readings lay a foundation for the material that will be covered in class, or give a preview or overview of class material.  I understand that reading a math textbook is not always particularly easy, but I guarantee that the "Getting Ready for Class" assignments are short and relatively painless.

Software: Homework may be out of the book, or on the computer, or a combination of both, depending on the course/textbook and the software available.  I tend to use online homework at JCCC whenever it is available.  If you're wondering about a particular course, feel free to email me.

Calculators: I like showing students how to take advantage of their calculators' capabilities.  Students are expected to bring their calculators to class and actively participate as we do exercises in class.  Generally, in Business Math classes I use the TI-BA II+ or the TI-83/TI-84/TI-84+, and in algebra classes I use a graphing calculator like the TI-83/TI-84/Ti-84+.  (These are what I use; other calculator brands are fine, too.)  Calculators with CAS systems on them are not permitted in algebra classes, and phone-calculators are not usually permitted on tests, with the exception of some Business Math classes.

Assessment

My tests are usually pencil-and-paper, and not multiple-choice.  There are usually 4 or 5 tests per semester.  In algebra and statistics classes, there are usually one or two hands-on or investigative projects in the semester.  In Business Math classes, we do a number of investigative projects using spreadsheets.

Homework Policy

 As mentioned above, homework may be out of the book, or on the computer, or a combination of both, depending on the course/textbook and the software available.  I tend to use online homework at JCCC whenever it is available.  If you're wondering about a particular course, feel free to email me.

Homework over the material covered in class should be completed before the next class period.  However, I sometimes set final deadlines for homework submission to be a class period or so later, so students can ask questions if they run into trouble on an assignment. 

Attendance Policy

I expect students to come to class, arrive on time, stay through to the end of class, and actively participate in class.  Obviously there are legitimate exceptions -- just let me know.  If there's a day when a student can't make it on time, I would prefer that the student come to class late, rather than not come at all.

Availability

I am usually available before and after class.  Specific times vary by semester.  Feel free to email me for my current schedule.  I also work in the Math Resource Center, and I am usually there one or two evenings a week during the school year.

Additional Information

I enjoy helping students learn mathematics.  I am interested in the different ways people learn, and I like helping students "get it." 

I also have experience working with students who have a variety of disabilities.  I am fairly proficient in Sign Language, and I enjoy working with deaf students.  I have also worked with students who have hearing-impairment, low vision, dysgraphia, dyslexia, coordination disabilities, and a variety of learning disabilities.  I am happy to work with whatever accommodations are needed. 

Feel free to email me if you have any questions.