Math
Class Format
Typical Class Format
Face-to-face sections using a mixed lecture, individual practice, and group work format. A typical class will begin with a lecture which follows structured class notes. After new material is presented, time is reserved for individual and/or group practice almost daily.
Online sections of College Algebra involve biweekly lecture notes videos with structured notes packets that students can print out for themselves. The idea of momentum is utilized where weekly tests are given which allows students to thoroughly learn each week’s materials before moving to the next week. There will be a midterm exam and a final exam which are proctored using Respondus proctoring software. The ALEKS homework/testing platform is used. Required technology include computer, webcam, and microphone.
Resource Use
Textbooks are required at all levels. A physical textbook will be required for face-to-face sections while ONLINE sections will use the ebook.
Calculators are used to supplement the learning. The appropriate use of calculators is discussed in many contexts. Requirements vary with the course taught.
No other resources are required.
Assessment
Typically, a student’s grade will be composed of scores on homework, class work (including group work and quizzes), unit exams, and the final exam. A great deal of informal assessment occurs during class via interaction with the instructor. More formal assessments will occur almost daily.
Homework Policy
Homework is often collected, graded, and returned in a timely manner. Online homework is used in the ONLINE sections of College Algebra. Homework assigned for collection in all other sections will be completed via paper/pencil.
Homework must be turned in on time to receive credit and is used to help students to gain mastery of the materials at each step in the learning. Often, at all levels, textbook homework may be assigned for practice but not collected.
Attendance Policy
Students should expect that any missed class time will result in an incomplete understanding of the material. This, in turn, may adversely affect grades. However, attendance is not used in the grade calculation. If an absence is anticipated, assignments can be turned in as an email attachment sent to the instructor on the due date to receive credit. To be fair to all students, no exams may be taken after the scheduled exam date due to absence. However, the final exam score may be used as a replacement the lowest unit exam score if it is lower than the final exam score.
