MATH 303A FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS

SPRING 2015
Class Times: MW 1 2:15pm
Class Location: MH 380
Section: 06
Class Number: 17808

Instructor: Jesica Forni

Office: MH 104K
Office Hours: MW 8:45-9:45am, TuTh 10-12pm
or by appointment
Email: jforni@fullerton.edu

Final Exam: Monday May 11th, 2:30-4:20pm (MH 380)

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Text: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Contemporary Approach, Musser, G., Burger, W., & Peterson,
B., 10th Ed.
Online Text and Homework (WileyPlus): http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls433829/
Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice: http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/

Course Description: This course is the first of a two-course sequence intended to provide you with the
foundations to teach K-8 mathematics. These foundations fall roughly into two categories: mathematical
content and pedagogical goals. This course will cover the mathematical content of problem-solving techniques,
whole number operations, number theory, fractions, decimals, and integers. This course will also introduce you
to activities designed to further the pedagogical goals of thinking mathematically, confidence in mathematical
ability, and communication of mathematical ideas. All students should have a scientific (non-programmable)
calculator for this course.
Learning Goals: The primary goal of this course is for the student to gain a thorough understanding of the
mathematics content of the K-8 curriculum in order to teach mathematics correctly, with confidence, and,
hopefully, with enjoyment. There are three outcome objectives for the course.
1. To identify and understand the essential elements of a number system.
2. To gain a fundamental understanding of operations upon number systems, including whole numbers,
rational numbers, and integers.
3. To develop higher-order critical thinking skills and strategies in the area of problem solving.

While this course employs various manipulatives, technology, and teaching techniques that are appropriate for
the K-8 classroom, it is important to KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS COURSE IS AN UPPER-DIVISION
LEVEL MATHEMATICS COURSE, NOT A METHODS COURSE. The course is based on the following
five main goals.
1) Acquire schemas of mathematical content, including skills, procedures, and their theoretical
foundations
Describe interrelationship between rational numbers (and standard subsets) and the field properties that
hold for specific operations on those sets
Synthesize various rational number constructs (part-whole fraction, division of two whole numbers,
ratio)
Understand base numeration systems and their relationship to arithmetic operations on whole numbers,
fractions, and decimals in base ten

2) Understand mathematical concepts using models, representations, and abstract processes

Explain all four arithmetic algorithms for whole numbers, fractions, and decimal numbers
Pose applications and models given an arithmetic expression or equation
Describe different approaches for solving a given problem involving proportions
3) Use mathematical content and concepts to solve a variety of problems.
Use a variety of problem-solving strategies to approach and explain most problems
Solve the same problem in multiple ways
Use problem-solving heuristics and strategies to engage/explore a problem until related content
knowledge is activated
Explain the steps taken to solve the problem in relation to the underlying content and concepts
4) Develop mathematical habits of mind
Pose questions about commonly held ideas or algorithms
Be able to explain the mathematical construction underlying patterns
Look for connections to other areas of mathematics and other disciplines
Make sense out of others and ones own work
Look critically at K-8 student work
5) Have a positive impact upon the students as future teachers of K-8 mathematics
a) Model effective teaching utilizing best practices
Engage students in a variety of ways (e.g., activity, class discussion, cooperative groups)
Balance thinking and reasoning with computational skills
Present and discuss the curriculum in light of state and national mathematics standards
b) Have a favorable impact on students attitudes
Demonstrate that teaching mathematics is enjoyable
Impress upon pre-service students that they are responsible for giving their own students a positive
attitude toward mathematics
Increase students self-confidence about learning math
Treat each student with professionalism and respect
c) Promote problem-solving skill and intuition.
Infuse problem-solving as a theme that permeates the course structure
Reinforce/re-teach basic skills via a problem-solving approach
Outline available strategies for solving a problem, and rationale for selection
d) Help students build internal and external connections related to their knowledge of mathematics
Use a variety of tools (e.g., models, mental math, manipulatives, technology) to understand concepts and
relationships
Develop understanding of concepts interdependently with content and problem solving
Connect fundamental concepts to a variety of situations, models and representations.
Promote schema formation (historical, mental math, summaries, previews, problems/ processes that are
revisited from different perspectives)

Homework (15%): Homework will be assigned via the WileyPLUS course system. Homework is a very
important part of this course and should be taken very seriously. I recommend starting each assignment
immediately after the section is covered in class so you can participate in class discussions. It is also
recommended to print the homework problems from WileyPLUS to help you study for quizzes and exams.
Late homework will not be accepted.
Quizzes (15%): Quizzes will be given roughly once a week. Please refer to the class schedule for quiz dates as
well as sections covered. Each quiz will be worth 10 points. There will be no make-up quizzes. The lowest
quiz score will be dropped.
Exam Reviews (10%): Exam reviews will be turned in on the day of each exam. These will include AT
LEAST 4 problems from each section that will be covered on the exam. The problems can be selected from the
Read, Study & Practice section on WileyPLUS. It should not include example from the notes or quizzes. Do
not pick problems that are all on the easy side but problems you are having trouble with and will benefit from
the extra practice. You should write down the problem and show all your work. Please start a new section at
the top of the page. Your exam review will be graded based upon the problems you pick, effort and neatness.
Late exam reviews will not be accepted.
Exams (40%): There will be two preliminary exams worth 100 points each. Exams can be made up ONLY in
the case of an emergency, and ONLY if you request a make-up exam before the scheduled time of the exam.
Final Exam (20%): The final exam for this course will be cumulative (Ch. 1-8)
Evaluation: Final course grades will be based upon the percentages of total points earned throughout the
course. Grades will be distributed according to the following
A+ 97-100%
A 92-96%
A- 90-91%

B+ 87-89%
B 82-86%
B- 80-81%

C+ 77-79%
C 70-76%

D 60-69%
F 0-59%

Attendance Policy: Students who miss classes before the drop deadline will be dropped from the course. If
you intend to drop this class, it is your responsibility to do so. Attendance will not be taken on a regular basis;
however, failure to attend class will result in a lower grade as you will miss notes, class discussions, and
quizzes. If you must miss a class, you are still responsible for any information you missed that day.
Notes: Notes are posted on TITANium. You are required to print the notes for each section and have them
ready before each class. This way, you can focus on understanding the lesson instead of trying to copy
everything down. If you dont print the notes, you wont be able to keep up with the pace of the class.
Email: Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I will answer your email as soon as possible but
allow 24 hrs to get a response. If you need help on a specific homework problem, it might be more beneficial to
come to my office. If you cant make it to my office hours, an email will be ok. Make sure to include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Math 303A 1pm on the subject line

A proper salutation (good morning/good afternoon/good evening Ms. Forni)
Section, exercise number and state the problem.
Explain what you dont understand about the problem, what you have already tried that hasnt
worked or include a picture of your work.
5. Your name.

Emails not following this format will not be answered.

Classroom Policies: Students are expected not to distract or disrupt their fellow classmates. You are
encouraged to participate in classroom discussions; however, any other talking is not permitted during class.
Any questions during class should be directed to the instructor. Students who talk without permission in class
will be asked to leave.
Laptops/Electronic Devices: The usage of laptops and cell phones will not be permitted in class. You will
only be allowed to use a tablet that lays flat on the table to take notes. Please make sure you turn off your
cell phone or silent it. All cell phones need to be put away during class. Anyone who does not obey this
rule will be asked to leave.
Academic Integrity: Students who violate university standards of academic integrity are subject to
disciplinary sanctions, including failure in the course and suspension from the university. Since dishonesty in
any form harms the individual, or other students, and the university, polices on academic integrity are strictly
enforced. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: (1) copying from another students
quiz or exam; (2) allowing another student to copy your work; and (3) copying homework solutions form the
text solutions manual.
Students with Disabilities: Students who would like to request accommodations for disabilities are
encouraged to talk to me as soon as possible. Students must register with Disabled Student Services (UH 101)
before I can make any accommodations.
Important Dates Regarding Math Department Drop Policy:

February 2 (Monday): Last day for students to ADD with a permit. All permits expire at midnight on
February 2.

February 2 (Monday): Last day for students to DROP without a grade of W. Students drop using
Titan Online.

February 27 (Friday): Last day the Math Department will be flexible on the approval of late
withdrawal requests. Beginning Monday, March 2, students must have a serious and compelling reason
for withdrawing (e.g. medical reason) and must provide supporting documentation for their reason.

April 17 (Friday): Last day to withdraw with a truly serious and compelling reason that is clearly
beyond the students control. Students must document their reason. See Math Department for more
info.

Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency such as earthquake or fire:

Take all your personal belongings and leave the classroom. Use the stairways located at the east, west, or
center of the building.
Do not use the elevator. They may not be working once the alarm sounds.
Go to the lawn area towards Nutwood Avenue. Stay with class members for further instruction.
For additional information on exits, fire alarms and telephones, Building Evacuation Maps are located near
each elevator.
Anyone who may have difficulty evacuating the building, please see the instructor.
Please read additional emergency information at:
http://www.fullerton.edu/emergencypreparedness/ep_students.html