Fall 2009
Mathematics 140–02

Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Education I
Chris Leary
MWF 9:00
Sturges 106

 

Welcome and thanks for taking this class! I hope that during the course of this semester you will come to a deeper understanding of the power and beauty and fun of mathematics and that you will become more confident of your ability to communicate those things to the children that you will be teaching. My major goals for this course are:

It is important that you understand that Mathematics 140 is a mathematics course, not a methods course. Thus the core of the course is its mathematical content, rather than the methods that one might use to deliver that content. Therefore you will be evaluated on your understanding of the mathematical content that we cover. The School of Education offers methods courses (EDUC 214 and CURR316) that are designed to give you instruction in teaching strategies.

Important Administrative Details

Me

Chris Leary
South 324D
x 5383
leary@geneseo.edu
Home phone: 243-5652 (please don't call after 9 unless it is an emergency)
Office Hours M 2:00, T 9:00, F 11:00 or by appointment. Please don't hesitate to stop by my office any time the door is open. I am usually glad to see you.
Text Bennett, Burton, and Nelson , Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, 8th edition (McGraw Hill, 2010).
Syllabus We will cover material from Chapters 1 through 6 of the text.
Summary Evaluations

The class periods on 2 October, 6 November, and the final examination period on 18 December will be devoted to evaluation of your progress in the class.
Final Examination Period The final examination period for this class is scheduled on Friday, 18 December from 8:00 to 11:00 in Sturges 106. Your attendance at this class period is required.
Grades

The graded work in this class will consist of the following:

Short evaluation pieces (approx. 4)
20%
In-Class Summary evaluations (2)
30%
Final Examination
20%
Class participation
15%

Self assessments
15%
Proficiency checks  

Self Assessments will be short (1-2 page) reflective pieces about your progress in the class and topics in mathematics. They will be graded on a 0-4 scale.

Proficency checks will be spaced throughout the term. You must pass each one, and if you do not pass a given check you must take rechecks (no more than one per week) until you pass. If you fail to pass any of the Proficiency Checks by 4:00 p.m. on the last day of class, your grade will be lowered by 1/2 grade (e.g., from a B to a B–.)

The grades that will be assigned at the end of the semester (I will use +/– grades) will be based on a scale that will be determined (at least in part) by class performance. I will be glad to discuss your grade with you at any time throughout the semester.

I like to think that what we do in the classroom adds to your understanding of the material that we cover, thus I expect you to attend class regularly. Much of the learning in the class will come from the experiences that we share during the class periods, so merely obtaining the notes from another student will not be a sufficient substitute for your actual attendance. Not to mention that 15% of your grade is class participation.

SUNY Geneseo will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented physical, emotional or learning disabilities. Students should consult with the Director in the Office of Disability Services (Tabitha Buggie-Hunt, 105D Erwin, tbuggieh@geneseo.edu) and their individual faculty regarding any needed accommodations as early as possible in the semester.

Chris Leary
Department of Mathematics
SUNY Geneseo