Math 055 - Review of Algebra

Sue Benowicz, Instructor

Bodine 310 - X7569 - email benowicz

TEXT: INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA, 8th edition workbook style, soft cover, by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis ISBN 9780321279200

This developmental course is self-paced in that you are responsible for scheduling your work so that you pass all of your checktests by the end of the course. Since most of us benefit from teamwork, cooperative learning is encouraged both in and outside the classroom (except on tests, of course!). Individual and small group instruction provides an ideal learning environment. The instructor and peer tutor are here to help you; ask us when you have questions. You can even email questions to me. Of course, you may “drop in” to my Bodine 310 office during the day (when I’m not in the Math Center in Bio-Pysch 005 for classes) or call ahead for an appointment to make sure I’ll be there.

ATTENDANCE: And the real deal? My main objective is to raise your quantitative reasoning level for the college prerequisite by a very personal, individualized approach. Your attendance in class helps us communicate regularly and is an important consideration for students who do not complete all the course requirements in this semester. Coming to class also seems to keep you on pace. (See "Carry Over" description)

HOW TO STUDY:Do the margin problems as you come to them, checking the answers printed on the same page, and then, if more practice seems needed, do some odd numbered problems at the end of each section since the answers to odd-numbered exercises are in the back of the book. There is also a list of "Solutions to Selected Exercises" in a separate section at the back of the textbook. We also have the answers to the evens in the desk copy. When necessary, read the text and study the examples. Some students find waiting until the end of the chapter and doing the review section a better approach. Finally, the test at the end of each chapter is similar to the checktests that you will need to pass so use it as a practice test.

Remember that math is not a spectator sport! Think of it as training with me as coach. The more effort and intellect you expend, the more progress you will make. This is a great opportunity to review, reevaluate, and reinforce your math concepts and skills. Delve more deeply for understanding and ask questions whenever it doesn’t make sense to you. Concepts and approaches will last longer than memorizing steps and isolated skills, especially all those highlighted text boxes. However, don’t get bogged down in any one section. This is supposed to be review but your background might be different. Please come see me if you have any concerns about your progress so we can plan a successful course to meet your needs. There are also some older Video Tape Lessons in the Math Skills Center besides the CD with the text.

CHECKTESTS on Chapter 1-11: When you think you are ready, ask to take the Chapter Checktest. The tests are closed book and should be taken in the carrels in the adjoining room. Except for Chapter One, calculators are allowed. Each test consists of 10 questions very similar to those on the practice tests in the text. Your work must be shown in an organized manner. Time permitting the peer tutor or I will grade the test with you so that you will see how you did immediately. If you score less than 70% on a checktest on the first try, you usually must wait at least 12 hours so you can review before the test may be retaken. Sometimes when you are close to 70%, I will just retest a few questions over certain concepts. You must pass checktests on Chapters 1-11 of the text and the Final Exam with a score of 70% or better to earn CRedit for the course. You should skip Sections 5.4 on Matrices in the text. Mark this now!

FINAL EXAM: You may take the Final Exam early, but not during Reading Days, whenever you have passed the eleven chapter checktests and worked on the Final Exam Review Packet as your study guide. Remember Chapter section 12.4 will be included on the final exam! Otherwise, Final Exams will be given during the normal Final Exam period; see back for our assigned times; see back for our assigned times. The Final Exam may be taken only once during this scheduled exam period but can be retaken later.

GRADES & CREDITS: This course is offered on a CRedit-NoCredit basis only. Students are expected to complete the course in one semester, earning 4 semester credits in the semester in which they are registered and the “QR prereq.” These 4 semester credits for Math 055 count toward the minimum 12 credits necessary to be a full time student in the term a student is registered for the class. This is important for those students on financial aid. However, the credits do not count toward the expected 32 credits/academic year or the 128 credits necessary for graduation. The recommended course load average each semester is 16-18 credits. Students who take four 4 credit classes plus one or two "activities" per semester will have no difficulty accumulating enough credits annually and for graduation.

CARRY OVER: Students who do not finish all the requirements of the course in this semester may, under certain circumstances, receive an INComplete, return in the following semester, pick up where they left off, finish the course and earn the QR prereq and 4 semester CRedits. The special circumstances for "carry over" to a next semester depend on attendance and a conference with the instructor. Those students who have attended consistently, 80% or more of their class sessions, and have completed at least 8-9 chapters, may be granted this "incomplete."

Note: If you have a disability that may impact your academic performance, you may request accommodations by submitting documentation to the Student Support Services Office in Albany Quadrangle (x7156). After you have submitted documentation and filled out paperwork there for the current semester requesting accommodations, that office will notify me of the accommodations for which you are eligible.