Methodology and Expectations

Class Methodology (and Expectations):

A typical class will consist of lecture (including discussion and question answering) and an extended period of independent work during which the students should solidify their understanding of the concepts, identify remaining questions about the concepts, work examples, and start homework assignments.  Some specific expectations follow.

  1. I expect you to learn the material thoroughly.  Through the brief lectures and individual meetings, I will try to facilitate your learning, but ultimately, you must actively take responsibility for your learning.  Please work with the other members of the class.
  2. I expect you to participate in each class meeting.  During the lecture portion, be attentive, ask questions, and provide answers to questions posed by your classmates and myself.  Work cooperatively with your classmates during the independent portion.
  3. I expect you to work diligently on each homework assignment.  Working on these problems is the most important part of the course.  Please see the attached sheet for the assignments and homework rules.
  4. I expect you to carefully read the textbook.  During lecture, I will address major ideas and some examples, but there will be topics and examples you should learn from the textbook.  You will often have to creatively solve problems based on your knowledge of the concepts.  This expectation of creative problem solving is typical of a challenging college mathematics course.
  5. I expect you to take the midterm tests as scheduled.  If you need to miss an test, you must make arrangements in advance.  For policies concerning the final exam, please refer to the CVGS Student Handbook.  Many test and exam questions will be quite similar to homework questions and/or examples from class; however, you will also be asked a few questions (including essay questions and proofs) based on your understanding of the concepts.

    Absences/Tardiness: 

    If a student is absent (excused) for only one class meeting, then upon return, the student is expected to submit any work that was due during the absence.  If an exam was missed, the student is expected to take the exam on the day of return.  If a student misses two or more consecutive class meetings, then the student should talk to the instructor on the day of return to devise a plan to catch up.  For planned absences (e.g., college visits, conference attendance, etc.), the student should discuss the plan with the instructor in advance.  Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence.  For any unexcused absence, homework will not be accepted late and test grades will be lowered by 10 points per day (counted from the scheduled test date until the day the test is taken).

    You are expected to be in class on time, whether this is during your independent work time on during our lecture/discussion time.  During each 6-week period, your first tardy will be excused; for each additional tardy, 1/2 point will be deducted from your overall semester average.

    Honor Code: 
    Students are required to pledge all work that they turn in for a grade.  Please refer to the CVGS Student Handbook for complete requirements.