Reality TV Math - Teaching Rigorous Math to a Reality TV Society

Background: How I Taught Precalculus For Last 15 Years

• Lecture on topic

• Give examples that illustrate a step-by-step method

• Students copy what I write on board

• Have students do similar problems alone or in informal groups

• Class notes available online

• See http://sakowskimath.com/spring07syllabus.htm and http://sakowskimath.com/College_Algebra/collegealgnotes.htm

Assessment Used In My Traditional Precalculus Course

• Students are assigned homework problems.

• Quizzes and tests use problems similar or identical to homework.

• >90% = A, 80-89% = B, etc.

• Tests & quizzes make up 85% of grade. HW & projects make up 15%

Benefits of My Traditional Method

• Very predictable for student

• Stresses mastery of algebra skills needed for higher mathematics

• Notes are online if student misses class

Drawbacks of My Traditional Method

• Too predictable for student?

• Mastery of step-by-step skills without underlying understanding is possible

• Notes are online so absenteeism is high if attendance not part of grade

• General student enthusiasm is low and seems to get lower each year

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus

• Begin each day with motivational example of how algebra is beneficial See http://www.mathmotivation.com/all-applications.html

• Lecture on concepts and properties See http://www.mathmotivation.com/lessons/lessons.html

• Use examples to illustrate properties when needed

• Students are given Property Sheets and make side notes

CONTINUED

My Proposed Revised Method of Teaching Precalculus

• Students are split up in groups See http://www.mathmotivation.com/lessons/lessons.html

• Students do group exercises in a game-like setting

• Justification of steps using a 2-column method

• Groups providing most solutions each week get Extra Credit

• Use of multimedia & movies for comprehension checks and Application Problems

• Grade is based on Exams, HW, and Group Participation

Tentative Assessment Breakdown

• 4 Unit Tests at 100 pts each = 400 pts

• Final Exam at 200 pts = 200 pts

• Approximately 100 Group Exercises = 200 pts Lose Points If absent

• 4 HW Sets handed in at 20 pts each = 80 pts

• TOTAL POSSIBLE = 880 pts

• Group Participation XC Up To 2 pts/wk = 30 pts

• Early HW Submission = 1 pt/wk = 15 pts XC

• TOTAL EXTRA CREDIT POSSIBLE = 45 Pts

Anticipated Benefits

• Students will gain an appreciation for direct and indirect value of algebra

• Students will obtain a better ability to logically & deductively solve problems

• Students will become more familiar and comfortable with formal proof

• Students learn teamwork skills

• Less student boredom

Anticipated Obstacles• Students may revolt and insist on traditional

instruction - Many students believe that when a problem is not easy to understand upon quick inspection, it is not worthwhile

• Students may resent required attendance - If they miss, they lose points. Only official school activities qualify for exemption

• Students may resist performing assigned group member duties

These resources available at WWW.MATHMOTIVATION.COM