Human Development 105 (2 credit) Math Anxiety
Instructor: Deanna SkinnerI. Course Description: The aim of this course is to increase your confidence and your skills in the successful study of mathematics.
II. Aims and Objectives: The goal of this course is to help students confront math anxiety and to learn coping strategies that will help them be more successful in mathematics courses. Concurrent enrollment in a mathematics content course is required so that the students may immediately practice what they learn in the class.
III. Text: Winning at Math, Your Guide to Learning Mathematics Through Successful Study Skills, Expanded and Revised Edition, by Paul D. Nolting, Ph.D.
IV. Other Instructional Material
A. Handouts
B. Films and Video
C. Individual and Group assessment tools
D. Guest speakers
V. Technique of Instruction
A. Lecture introduction of main topics
B. Extensive use of group activities to illustrate topics and promote self-awareness
C. Introduction and practice of relaxation techniques
D. Group discussion
VI. Course Organization and Content This course will help you become aware of the factors which contribute to math anxiety. Mathematics study skills will also be addressed. Several class sessions may include relaxation techniques. Note taking, memory, reading and homework techniques will also be addressed. Individuals will be assessed with the Math Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS), Math Student Skills Evaluation (MSSE) and other learning style devices. Course content will focus on the needs of the class based on assessment results and student input.
VII. Evaluation & Grading
All assignments are due promptly on their scheduled due dates. Late work will be graded down unless you have prior approval. It is your responsibility to contact me in advance if there is a problem, or for any missing information you may need to meet your obligations.
Grades will be calculated according to the following breakdown:
94 - 100 = A 73 77 = C
90 90 = A- 70 72 = C-
88 89 = B+ 68 69 = D+
83 87 = B 63 67 = D
80 82 = B- 60 62 = D-
78 79 = C+ 59 0 = E
Points will be awarded for each assignment and class participation. Please stay on top of how you are doing. Come discuss any concerns with me. Extra credit may be allowed if you find you are getting behind, or if you want to take the opportunity to learn additional items. Discuss this option with me. If you desire a pass/fail grade, you will need to notify me at the beginning of the quarter.
Course Requirements and their point value: POINTS: DUE:
1. Class attendance and participation 20 points daily
2. Class exercise 20 points varied
3. Personal Journal 20 points -------
4. Math Journal 20 points -------
5. Final summary & Plan of Action 20 points -------
COURSE OUTLINE
Assigned Readings
Chap. 1 What You Need to Know to Study Math
Chap. 2 pp. 51 57, How to Discover Your Math Learning Strengths and Weaknesses
Chap. 9 How to Reduce Math Test Anxiety, and Reference E
Chap 10 How to Improve Your Math Test-Taking Skills, and References F, G, & H
Learning Style? Pp. 55 61 and Reference C
Chap. 3 How to Take Control and Learn Math
Chap. 4 How to Fit Study Time Into a Busy Schedule
Chap. 5 How to Improve Listening and Note Taking Skills
Chap. 6 How to Improve Your Reading and Homework Techniques and Reference C
Chap. 7 How to Create a Positive Study Environment
Chap. 8 How to Remember What You Learn
A. Attendance and Participation: The essentials of the course include experiencing individual and group in-class activities. Therefore, attendance is crucial to mastering the class content and process. Prompt attendance and staying for the full sessions is expected. If you are going to be absent from class, please notify me in advance. Participating in large and small groups is key in increasing math confidence as a successful math student. Discussion will center on exercises from the text and based on topics raised in classes. You are required to get the names and phone numbers of two other classmates. Tardiness will result in loss of points.
B. Class exercises and homework assignments: There will be in class assignments and homework assignments. Examples of homework assignments are writing a math autobiography, creating a glossary sheet, outlining a weekly study schedule, reading your text and creating your own note-taking system. Assignments will range between 2 and 5 points.
C. Personal and Journal about Math: This journal is a place to debrief and process feelings and experiences during each week as well as a chance to communicate with me. Write enough to describe and explain your ideas, and reflect on content taught in class. A minimum of three to five entries is required per week. The greater the effort and the more you write down, the higher the grad. Respond to the questions such as:
o Did you have an occasion to do well in math today?
o Did you use math anywhere but in the classroom?
o What were your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors when you were working on your assignments?
o How are you feeling about upcoming quizzes, tests?
o What did you feel really good about from your work this week?
D. Math Journal: This journal will be used as a tool throughout the quarter and as a comprehensive reference to review for future math courses. You will create a reference that will be personally useful to you. (Refer to chapter 5 for guidelines.)
E. Final Summary and Plan of Action: The final paper will summarize your work this quarter and provide a study action plan for future math success. Details on format will be handed out mid-quarter. Use math journal as a reference.
VIII. Class Structure working toward a safe and productive learning environment:
A. Respect one another and view all as contributing to the learning experience.
B. Allow for difference in opinion, levels of knowledge, and learning styles.
C. Ask yourself:
1. How does this information apply to me?
2. How can it help me solve problems?
3. How can it help me to be successful with math/algebra?
D. Please talk to me if you have any concerns about the class activities or assignments, or ways that class could be improved.
IX. Other Information
If you are a student with a disability, please see me as soon as possible to discuss appropriate accommodations.
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the class prior to or on W day. Non-attendance after W day can result in a failing grade. See page 29 in the current college catalog for clarification.