Purpose | Major Topics | Clientele | Approach | Technology | The Math Center
Catalog Description
MAT 090 Basic
Mathematics Skills 3 credits
This course is designed for students with little or no background in
mathematics. Major topics include the following: whole numbers, fractions,
decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, basic statistics (find mean and
reading graphs, charts and tables) and an introduction to algebra. All
students are required to participate in a unified comprehensive final exam to
be administered during final exam a week and achieve a “C” or better on this
exam ( or appropriate placement on the placement exam) in order to move on to
the next level of math courses.
Purpose
This course is intended for students with little or no background in
mathematics. Successful completion of MAT 090 will allow students to continue
their mathematics study at QCC in MAT 095 Beginning algebra. Most QCC programs
require completion of a higher level of mathematics than MAT 090.
This course
consists of the following major topics:
· Whole Numbers – reading, writing, rounding, arithmetic operations, order of
operations, exponents, square roots
· Fractions – reading, writing, arithmetic operations, order of operations,
applications
· Decimals – reading, writing, rounding, arithmetic operations, order of
operations
· Ratio and Proportion – define, solve, and applications
· Percents – define, conversions of percents to decimals, and fractions,
problems and applications
· Introduction to Algebra – arithmetic operations with integers, basic
exponent properties, order of operations involving integers, applications
· Basic Statistics – mean; reading tables, charts, and graphs
Students enrolled in this course have taken the
computerized placement test and have scored at this level. This is the most
basic course offered at QCC. As a whole, the class has a wide range of
mathematical backgrounds and abilities. Some students may have scored just
below a Beginning Algebra level and will need minimal work to continue their
studies. Others, though, have scored very low and may have a long history of
difficulty in math. Thus, they will need more individualized guidance during
the semester. This diversity of knowledge lends itself to a great challenge
for the instructor.
Approach
The QCC Mathematics Department subscribes to the
standards of AMATYC and Title III requires courses to incorporate different
forms of teaching to meet different learning styles. With MAT 090, it is
important to keep in mind the uniqueness of the student’s mathematical
ability. It is important to provide an environment that is conducive to
mathematical achievement for the individual student. This environment may
include, but not limited to, group work, writing activities, informal
assessments, and an atmosphere of individualization. The common goal for all
students is to become proficient with the skills, obtain a score of 73 on a
standardized final exam, and progress to the next level of study.
The
MAT 090 Faculty Resource Manual
contains a removable, print-ready, Student Packets’ section that needs to be
photocopied for each student at the start of the semester. This section is a
detailed outline for the entire semester and will be placed in the mandatory
3-ring binder that each student is required to supply. Now, the student has
the structure of the course that will promote organization and supply the
student with the entire semester requirements. This sets the tone of
individualization that permeates the entire philosophy of the course.
The instructor should make it known that students may progress through the
course at a pace that is faster than the suggested pacing. Using the Student
Packets that have been supplied and placed in their 3-ring binder, the student
may increase their own pace so their completion of the course will be earlier
than the one set by the college. If this occurs, a student may then opt to
retake the Computerized Placement Test or continue studying and wait for the
mandatory, standardized, departmental final exam given during the assigned
final exam period. Also, the fast-paced student may begin work on the next
level math course, Beginning Algebra, for personal gain.
The
MAT 090 Faculty Resource Manual
contains a section of mini-lectures for each textbook section, correlating
skill builders to facilitate the learning for the higher-need student and an
activities section to challenge all learning styles. The instructor is able to
utilize these resources to provide support for the different levels of
learning that will be occurring in the classroom. These resources promote
active and cooperative learning in the classroom. Avoiding a solitary lecture
approach and moving towards a more individualized approach, the instructor
will be able to engage students in their own learning thus increasing their
ownership of the skills. This differentiated approach affords each student the
optimum environment to satisfactorily complete the course requirements.
The MAT 090 Faculty Resource
Manual
contains a section of Review Materials. The purpose of this section is to
continually have students revisit previous objectives and maintain these
skills. The instructor can utilize these resources in many different ways to
enhance their classroom success.
The QCC Mathematics Department feels an individualized approach (if necessary,
combined with traditional lecture approach) is the most advantageous way to
guide the student through the objectives of MAT 090.
Technology
AMATYC requires the use of technology into the MAT 090 curriculum. As a
department, it has been decided that students will not be allowed to use
calculators for the entire semester. Students do have access to an extensive,
on-line support site.
MyMathLab.com – This resource is part of the textbook purchase and comes free for the student. The instructor must register the course (please attend training sessions) so the student will have an access code. Instructors should make a requirement of students registering so they have access to this resource. This on-line resource allows the instructor to assign homework, quizzes, reviews, activities, etc. and to utilize the interactive textbook. This is an important and critical resource for the students.
The Math Center has computers available for MyMathLab.com work. Students may come to the Math Center and utilize the computers in conjunction with tutors to help them achieve the skills.
The Math Center
The Math Center is located in The Learning Center on the second floor. It is a
free, drop-in center for “live” mathematical tutoring. The “typical” MAT 090
student does not seem to want to go to the Math Center. It is important for
instructors to encourage students to go the Math Center, located in The
Learning Center, to continually practice their skills. Upon entering the
center, students must sign in using their name, course number, and
instructor’s name. This provides information to the instructor on usage of the
center. The student may then work independently, with computers, or with
tutors. This is an important service that seems to be underused by the MAT 090
student. Instructors may want to include a mandatory component of Math Center
attendance to encourage this tutorial service.