Course Syllabus

MTH211, Math for Elementary School Teachers 1

with Gary Parker
541-278-5772
Emigrant Hall, Office 109
Pendleton & Zoom Class Meetings: Monday and Wednesday 3 - 4:40 PM in Emigrant Hall 101 or Zoom Link (ID 947 6415 8889) 
Tutoring Hours:

10 AM Monday through Friday,
1 PM Tuesday and Thursday,
and by appointment, Zoom link (ID 541 278 5772)

My Weekly Calendar

Course Calendar

New YouTube Playlist

Old YouTube Playlist

Course Description:

Math 211 The student will study and demonstrate knowledge of problem solving, sets, relations, whole numbers, numeration systems, integers, number theory, rational numbers, real numbers, and mathematical systems. Chapters 1-5.
Prerequisites: MTH 095 or equivalent as determined by department. (Credits: 4)

Required Materials:

Bennett, Albert, 2018, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Conceptual Approach, 10th ed., McGraw-Hill. Print text recommended, eBook comes with course.

Course Objectives:

  • To review and explore fundamental concepts of mathematics.

  • To explore how mathematical skills and concepts can be taught.

  • To learn to appreciate mathematics as a discipline, a science, and an art form.

  • To enjoy mathematics.

Student Outcomes: After completion of this course the student will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

  • Number concepts and terminology;
  • Implementing various problem-solving strategies;
  • Basic logic;
  • Set definitions, notation, and operations on sets;
  • Whole number operations and various computational algorithms;
  • Familiarity with various number systems;
  • Mental arithmetic and computation strategies;
  • Integer operations;
  • Identifying and analyzing basic mathematical patterns;
  • Analysis of basic Algebra.
  • Number theory concepts such as divisibility, prime, composite, GCD, LCM, and modular arithmetic (maybe);

Writing Principle: Use specific and complete information. The reader should understand what you are trying to say even if he or she has not read the question or writing prompt. This includes

  • information about context, and
  • quantitative information.

Method of Instruction: This will be an in-depth experience in basic mathematics, where we explore "why" as well as "how". This is a mathematics course first and foremost, though we will explore some teaching methods and pedagogy where appropriate and when time permits. You are expected to interact with the instructor and your peers weekly. Manipulatives are used frequently in class, as is technology. Group and individual work will be assigned in most weeks.

Expectations: Your punctual observation of due dates is expected along with your most sincere effort. You are expected to have a notebook for notes from the textbook, notes from class or videos, and homework problems. You are expected to have time for this class, either Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 4:40 pm, and at least 12 hours each week on average, or at least 2 hours each and every day of the week! You can log in to this course whenever it is convenient for you, just pay attention to the due dates.

Although the instructor assumes that no cheating will take place, any evidence of cheating will be pursued thoroughly, dealt with strictly, and reported to the VP of Instruction. A negative grade (-100%) will be assigned on the first instance of cheating; An F in the course will be assigned on the second. Please refer to the college's Academic Dishonesty policy for more details. You are also expected to be considerate in class, upholding the utmost respect for the educational environment. If you are inconsiderate, then you may be asked to leave. Otherwise, try to enjoy the class.
You may use a cell phone in class as a calculator or for internet research for class work, if you don't have a computer with you. You may not text or use social media apps, or any other apps that are irrelevant to class work.

You can expect me to get back to you with questions you email or post within 14 hours on week days and within 48 hours on weekends. You can expect me to work with you during class time, answering your questions to the best of my ability, and to work with you outside of class when you set an appointment with me.

Homework: For each section covered there will be weekly assignments. Problems & exercises will be assigned from the text and through Canvas. Most of these will be graded. You should work through these problems & exercises each day so that you keep up with the material covered in class, if not get ahead. Assigned sections should be read through prior to completing assignments and tests.

Projects: Both individual and group projects will be assigned throughout the quarter.

Redo Policy: You can reattempt homework problems as much as you want prior to the deadline. For activities and exams there is only one attempt.

Testing Procedures: There will be two mid-term exams, plus a comprehensive final exam and an exit exam. These exams will be online, on your own, but timed, and available for a few days each. The exit exam is pass/fail and repeatable. You must pass the exit exam to pass the course. No make-up exams or quizzes will be given. The final exam must be completed by 2022 December 7 Wednesday.

Method of Evaluation:
Your final grade will be a weighted average of all of your graded work.

Homework  ≈ 35%   A is ≥ 90%
Activities  ≈ 25%   B is ≥ 80%
Quizzes & Tests  ≈ 20%   C is ≥ 70%
 Final Exam  ≈ 20%   D is ≥ 60%
      F is < 60%

Special Services and Student Accommodations: Students requiring assistance beyond the services provided in the regular classroom activities must seek out the instructor after class. Additional assistance is available at the Special Programs Tutoring Center.
Persons having questions about or requests for special needs and accommodation should contact the Student Success Advisor at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 N.W. Carden Pendleton OR 97801, Phone 541-278-5965 or TDD 541-278-2174 or email email DisabilityServices@bluecc.edu. Contact should be made 72 hours in advance of the event.

Disclaimer: The syllabus may change depending upon the needs of a particular class. Please verify topics, tests and other due dates with your instructor.
This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to CAB approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Please remain seated until the ride has come to a complete stop. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may fade. We have sent the forms which seem right for you. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. Keep cool; process promptly. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. At participating locations only. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your canceled check is your receipt. Add toner. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Slightly higher west of the Mississippi. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only in a well-ventilated are. Keep away from fire or flames. Approved for veterans. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for children. Prerecorded for this time zone. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates. First pull up, then pull down. Call toll free number before digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear. Record additional transactions on back of previous stub. Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the bus comes to a complete stop. Package sold by weight, not volume. Your mileage may vary. Management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
This supersedes all previous notices.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due