Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.
Math
Class Format
Typical Class Format (inside and outside the classroom)
Students’ Role-- Read the book (outside of class); Take notes while reading the book (outside of class); Come to class; Bring questions from reading to class and ask them; Take notes, if needed, from class discussion (examples, answers to questions, new questions, …); Try the homework before coming to class and after it is discussed; Get help when needed, not when it is too late (inside and outside class); Keep your cell phone out of sight (and preferably off) when doing mathematics (both inside and outside of class).
Instructor’s Role— Provide a welcoming space and resources; Facilitate learning; Real-time feedback; Encourage analysis and reflection; Supportive environment; Assessment and progress monitoring; Opportunity for adaptive learning conditions.
Resource Use
Textbooks—Whenever possible (and feasible), Open Educational Resources (OERs) will be utilized. Sometimes better resources will come with a cost (textbook, software, etc.).
Calculators are used to supplement learning. A graphics calculator is recommended for courses requiring significant amounts of graphing (MATH 171 and above), but, in most cases, a scientific calculator is sufficient as long as the student is willing and able to commit the time necessary when graphing by hand. Important — Students are responsible for the proper interpretation of calculator output.
Computer software may be used in some courses.
Online homework may be used in some courses.
Assessment
A student’s grade will be composed of some or all of the following-- homework, class work (including homework presentations, group work, and in-class quizzes), outside of class quizzes, unit exams (in-class), and the final exam (in-class).
Homework Policy
The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics. Therefore, all courses will have homework assignments. The homework problems may be used for student presentations (50% of participation) and the audience asking questions (remaining 50% of participation). Thus, attendance (see below) may play a major role in a course.
Attendance Policy
Students should expect that any missed class time will result in an incomplete understanding of the material. As a result, absence (physically or mentally) may adversely affect grades. Although attendance is not directly used in the grade calculation, attendance is necessary to participate in presentations and as audience members. Since the course schedule is known on Day 1, there will be no make-up opportunities. As a back-up, the final exam score may be used to replace the lowest unit exam score if it is lower than the final exam score.
