Welcome to the NEW combined Developmental Math I and Developmental Math II course. This web page will serve as a resource outside WebCT for you as you complete the course requirements.
MyMathLab course id: bryant24169
Challenge Test: If you have never been enrolled in/received grade for this course, you are eligible to take the challenge test at the beginning of the semester. The challenge test is similar to a final for the course, so you should study. Challenge Test Information.
| Professor: Dr. Debra Bryant | Office: Foster Hall 404 |
| Office Phone: 372-3668 | Office Hours: See below |
| email: ddbryant@tntech.edu |
Schedule
| TIME | Tues/Thur | TIME | Mon/Wed | Fri | |
| 8:00-9:20am | individual help 0800 (by appt on Thurs) | 9:30am-11:30am | office | office by appointment | |
| 9:30-10:50AM | DSPM0800-004 FH406 | 12:20pm-1:40pm | ADPM0865-009 FH402 | ||
| 11:00-11:50AM | help sessions meetings, etc. |
1:50pm-2:20pm | individual help for 0865/0850 | ||
| 1:20-2:45PM | individual help for 0800/1830 | ||||
| 3:00-4:20PM | MATH1830-001 BR119 | 2:30pm-3:50pm | DSPM0850-004 FH406 | ||
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to modify the course requirements, assignments, grading procedures and other related policies as circumstances may dictate.
DSPM
0870. Elementary/Intermediate
Algebra. Lec. 5. Credit 5.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory
placement test score and two high school algebra credits,
ability to self-pace, ability to use computer software with confidence,
consent of instructor. Review
of operations with signed numbers.
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra including linear
and polynomial functions, algebraic fractions, applications, solutions to
systems of equations, conic sections.
The student who successfully completes this course will be prepared to enroll in the required math course for his/her major. Most course activities will involve student’s working via the Internet along with a textbook/CD ROM to complete individual assignments and prepare for tests.
Course Objectives/Topics Covered: Course objectives.
Prerequisites: Students are placed in this course according to ACT scores or satisfactory COMPASS test scores, a grade of "C" or above in DSPM 0700, or a successful challenge of the DSPM 0700 course. These prerequisites are required by TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents).
About the Instructor: Dr. Debra Bryant, Associate Professor, has been with this program since 1990. She has taught DSPM 0700, DSPM 0800, and DSPM 0850, along with Math 1630 and Math 1830 in the Math Department. Dr. Bryant came to TTU from Cookeville High School where she taught mathematics, chemistry and physics. She earned her doctorate in mathematics education from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1998. She entered the teaching field in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother, and aunt all of whom taught in the Jackson County school system.
Dr. Bryant’s family has a close history with TTU. She and her two sisters and their husbands all obtained one (or more) degrees here. Her daughters, Heather (English ‘93) and Rachel (Accounting ‘04) are TTU alumni.
Office Hours: Office hours, both physical and virtual. Former students will tell you that I will try to be available to help you as necessary. Additionally you may contact me in these ways:
Office: Foster Hall 404 by appointment or walk-in (open hours)
Telephone: (931)372-3668, will return messages within 48 hours M-R, unless a voice response advises delays.
Fax: (931)372-6275, M-R
E-mail: ddbryant@tntech.edu, will return E-mail by identifiable students within 48 hours, unless a posting advises you of any delays.
Textbook: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition (with CD's and additional supplements, ISBN #0321306481), by Margaret Lial, John Hornsby, and Terry McGinnis. This is a Pearson/Addison Wesley publication.
Other Material Required: Graph paper, straight edge, two 3-brad folders, along with a 1.5" to 2.5" 3-ring binder, notebook paper, dividers, pencils. Calculators are optional, if you buy one you should get a scientific calculator. You will not be allowed to use (or bring into the room) a graphing calculator for tests.
Content Related Objectives: To develop problem-solving skills.
| To develop problem-solving skills. |
| To learn to manage resources (time). |
| To assist in success in nonmathematical courses that require a grasp of algebraic fundamentals. |
| To view mathematics as a language of patterns. |
| To develop the ability to translate data into mathematical language and to interpret that language. |
Major teaching methods Various learning activities will be used to accomplish the course goals.
1. Text and computer online readings are used to introduce materials, methods, and concepts.
2. Attend class on line via computer, use MyMath Lab as required or to enhance or to re-learn.
3. Read course notes online and chapters in textbook.
4. Participate in Bulletin Boards and Discussion Questions.
5. Take examinations.
Chapters Covered Chapters 1-11, 12.1, Appendix G. You may also complete Appedices A-f if needed.
Grading and Evaluation Procedures Students will be held to standards similar to those found in the workplace. Students are to complete their assignments on time with an open willingness to learn. To measure the extent to which students attain the objectives of the course the following will be graded:
Tests: The tests will be open response (problem solving), but may also include any or all of the following types of questions: objective (true/false, multiple choice, matching) and fill-in-the-blank.
Assignments: Complete the assignments found online. You must learn how to navigate in WebCT in order to keep current.
Grades:
Your grade for the course will be given at the end of the term and will be counted in the combined GPA calculations. (The combined GPA is used in determining suspension and probation, financial aid eligibility, and athletic eligibility, but not in determining required GPA for graduation or for graduation or term honors). This grade will remain a permanent part of your academic record. Cheating, in any form, will not be permitted. Evidence of cheating will result in the student's receiving an "F" for the semester. Also, passing off as one's own the ideas or words of another without crediting the source is called plagiarism. To be liable for plagiarism it is not necessary to exactly duplicate another's work, it being sufficient if unfair use of such work is made by lifting a substantial portion thereof:
Grading:
|
Grading scheme |
|
| 3 tests for each portion of course | 600 points |
| homework, each portion 100 points | Weighted for 200 points |
| final | 200 points |
Work is due on the date assigned and will not be accepted after that date. There will be absolutely no make-up tests allowed, so don't even ask!!
The term grade for this class will be based on the following:
A = 900 - 1000 points B = 800 - 899 points
C = 700 - 799 points F = below 700 points
There will be no "D" given in the course. You must have at least a "C" in order to pass.
Attendance policy Attendance is required by the instructor, by the State Board of Regents and by TTU (See TTU catalog): "Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student's being dropped from a course with a grade of F. Tardiness is recorded as an absence." No absence will be excused. The TTU Academic Development Program Faculty recognizes the necessity of regular classroom attendance as a basic cornerstone of the learning process.
Because there is no “classroom attendance” for an on-line course, this policy is revised in the following manner:
1. Each student’s progress on the WebCT pages will be monitored for timeliness. A delay of two or more days in doing an assignment will result in a counselor referral (requires on-site visit).
2. Homework will be assigned and required to be turned in (read section on homework). Poor performance on homework will result in a learning laboratory referral of 5-8 hours weekly (on-site visits, Foster Hall 411).
3. Tests must be taken
at the regularly scheduled times and a grade of
70 or above must be earned in order to continue in the WebCT course.
You are given one chance to improve a low test score (lower than 70%).
Should you have an additional grade below 70, you will be required to
begin study sessions with the instructor. Make up tests are
NOT allowed.
** If you miss a test you will be dropped from the webcourse. **
Sources for Assistance Independent study groups (which may meet in the ADP learning center, library study rooms, etc.) seem to offer the best support for problem-solving. Individual help is available in the learning center, Foster Hall 411; from me during office hours; and the Math Dept. tutoring lab in Bruner Hall. Additionally you may access your CDC
Withdrawals (drops) Students will not be permitted to drop an DSPM course unless withdrawing officially from TTU. The withdrawal process paperwork is handled in the Office of Student Affairs, Room 231 in the Roaden University Center, phone number (931)372-3411.
Disabilities Students with a disability requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 372-6119.
Internet Issues: To get the most out of the Internet, it is suggested that you:
****Establish a regular time on your computer as if you were going to class.****
If you have a computer problem with the online course, consult your
Internet service provider. Be sure to record all error messages so that your
provider's technicians have the information they need to diagnose the problem
Ground Rules Observe course netiquette at all times. When communicating by E-mail, discussion groups, chat, etc.:
1. E-mail
a. Use your assigned university E-mail address, not a personal E-mail address.
b. Always include a subject line.
c. Remember without facial expressions, some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your mails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
d. Use standard fonts.
e. Do not send large attachments without permission.
f. Special formatting, such as centering, audio, tables, html, should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
g. Respect your classmates.
2. Discussion Groups
a. Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
b. Try to maintain threads by using the IreplyI button rather that starting a new topics.
c. Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of others’ ideas.
d. Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
e. Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
f. Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
3. Chat
a. Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
b. Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
c. Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
d. Be constructive in your
comments and suggestions.
I UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES DESCRIBED ABOVE. (This is your contract for your grade in DSPM 0870.)
NAME: DATE:
HOMEWORK: Homework assignments are important to your success and should be done with the following goals:
1. Homework is assigned in order for you to master the concepts being taught. It is not sufficient to “do” the problem, but to “do” the problem correctly and understand why your answer is correct. Do not skip problems--get whatever help is necessary to complete every problem. If you do not “BUY INTO” this goal--DROP THE COURSE RIGHT NOW!
2. Do your homework neatly, on notebook paper using a pencil, with the sections CLEARLY marked and the problems worked in order. Circle or box your answers so that they are easy to find. If the homework is more than one page, staple the pages together. Place your completed homework in a 3-brad folder, in order of assignments. Bring the completed homework folder to the test site with you when you come to take a scheduled exam. The homework folder is your “ticket” to taking the test. Homework is graded according to completeness and accuracy.
3. Put a question mark "?" beside problem numbers that you want to ask about in lab, office or on discussion/whiteboard. Note: Sloppy homework and/or homework not clearly marked with your name, section number, problems written out, and chapter and section number will be returned with a grade of "0".
4. Homework is assigned in order for the instructor to check for mastery learning. Thus, you MUST write the problem and show all the steps leading to you answers.
5. Homework is assigned in order for you to use the results to study for each chapter test and the final. You MUST keep a notebook of homework assignments for use in studying for each test. Homework will be collected according to the calendar.
*Meetings take precedence over office hours.
Will be on the WebCT calendar, internal to the course and accessible to enrolled students, only.
This page is maintained by Debra D. Bryant
Last updated on Monday, December 24, 2007