Math 90 – Elementary Algebra First Day … MrV ( David Vandewater)

1. Math 90 – Elementary AlgebraFirst Day … MrV(David Vandewater) • Enrollment details • Overview of the Syllabus • My Class Website and Blackboard • What will it take to pass this course? • Testing Rules and Homework Teams • Homework Format • In-class exercise: Start your first homework Volunteer Note-Takers Needed: Take lecture notes for a DSPS student to use. Responsibilities:1. Take clearly written lecture notes during class meetings, then2. Provide those notes to the DSPS student. (Copies? E-mail? Other?) Rewards: Upon successful completion of this semester-long activity, you will…- Receive up to 20 extra credit points in this class (5 per major test period) - Feel great that you were able to help others succeed in this classMost note-takers have claimed their own grade improved due to this commitment. I will ask for Volunteers at the end of class, then Volunteers and DSPS students will meet with me to arrange 1-to-1 pairing and the way notes will be conveyed.

2. Overview of the Syllabus • Tonight: Read it carefully, take it seriously • Details the class objectives, resources, behavior, drop criteria, grading, schedule & assignments • Acts as a contract between teacher & student • What I plan to give you • What you have to do to get it • Your grade: • 10% Participation 8% Homework 62% Major Tests 20% Final Exam • Absent for a test? Take it in the LRC before next class.

3. Class Webpages and Blackboard • My Website gives you access to • The updated Syllabus, (schedule/HW changes, etc) • Your current average (detailed grades for HW, Participation, Tests) • Printable class handouts for some topics, • Executable PowerPoints used in class lectures. • Don’t use Blackboard. • It will only have links to my website • Activate your student My MSJC e-mail • So that I can contact you (example: class session is cancelled) • So that I can offer occasional extra credit opportunities • Let’s find your class on my Instructor Website: (Msjc.edu, then Students, then Instructor Websites, then V for Vandewater)or bookmark/favorites http://www1.msjc.edu/instructor/dvandewater

4. What will it take to pass this course? It’s a 4 credit class with a lot of homework • Be open to Suggestions: Use new work habits and study skills • Focus – work hard starting TODAY • Don’t miss classes – Absence is a killer • Do daily written homework on time – Timely Practice is key • Arrive in class a few minutes beforeit starts; I take roll at 11:30 sharp • Take notes on my presentation – mostly I use textbook examples • Work class exercises with me… and put them in your notes • If you “don’t get it”, Ask Questions • If you failed 090 before, or your basic arithmetic skills are rusty: • Try walk-in help in the Learning Resource Center, Building 800 ground floor:Student ID Required! Hours Mon-Thurs9am-7pm and Fri9am-Noon • Try free on-line help from SmartThinking (see syllabus) • Consider hiring a paid tutor • Insist that disruptions by other students be stopped

5. Get a Textbook Right Away ! • Your textbook is Beginning Algebra 8th edition by Aufmann/Barker/LockwoodISBN-13: 978-1-111-57870-1 • The MSJC MVC bookstore has this textbook. • Cost new: ? Used: probably not available • If you use an outside vendor to buy a new or used book: - It MUST BE the 8th edition with the above ISBN.- Make sure you receive it by the 3rd day of class. • An E-Text version can be rented for 180 days for $76,but you need to have a suitable PC or tablet to use it.Classroom WI-FI access is not guaranteed. • Free trial: (not all exercises are accessible)http://www.coursesmart.com/IR/3704213/9781111578701?__hdv=6.8

6. Why you need your own textbook • Those who don’t buy their own textbook usually fail/drop • The Library and the LRC do not have enough copies • Homework: • 40 different assignments (almost every day) • Some sections will be handed in for Homework Credit (with major tests) • Note-taking: • Less writing. Board Examples are from the text (but DO the exercises) • Absence: • Self-study the Textbook Examples before doing the homework • Having Difficulty: • You can review any topics at any time at home/school • Bring your textbook to the LRC in support of your questions

7. Instructor Absence and Optional Activities • Instructor Absence… (when I’m sick or otherwise unavailable) • If a test is scheduled (and I can’t get a proctor), it will be postponed one class day.Use the classroom for study. I will adjust the schedule. • Not a test day? Use the classroom for study. I will adjust the schedule • You can get together with one or two other students to form your own Homework Team. • Optimal size: 3 students • Try to have a range of skill levels • Take turns explaining how to do HW problems • Trouble with a difficult concept or with homework? • Re-read the textbook section and look at the examples in your notes. • Go to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and get walk-in help from a Learning Assistant (they call them “Tutors”) • Try SmartThinking on-line help. (See the Syllabus)

8. Highlights - from your SyllabusImportant Student Responsibilities • Get the right edition (8th) of the text before the 1st HW Pack submission • Hand in Homework Credit chapter sections on time on Test Days, otherwise receive default credit based on your Test grade. • Follow class rules concerning phone or other distractions. • All Tests count toward your grade. • When absent for a Test: Take the test in the LRC before class meets again, or get a 0 grade. • Only one makeup Test can be taken in the LRC, without penalty.Each additional LRC Test will have a 10% penalty. • If no longer attending, Drop this class yourself. (otherwise an F or D is certain) • I would appreciate a courtesy e-mail when long absences occur. • Read the entire Syllabus.

9. Now for some Math… • First, we’ll review homework procedure, and your first HW assignment. You can even earn a little Participation credit… • Next we’ll look at rules for negative number arithmetic (Math51/55) • Finally, we’ll review Section 1.2 (Integers) on the board • If there’s time, then we’ll review some basic arithmetic (Math50/51/55)