MAT 543 Advanced Problem Solving for Teachers

This is a sample syllabus only. Ask your instructor for the official syllabus for your course.

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Revised Course Description

Problem solving using non-routine strategies. Problems represent several branches of mathematics and related disciplines.

MAT 543 meets for three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisites

Graduate standing and consent of the graduate program coordinator.

Objectives

1. To improve students' mathematical thinking by:
   1. Tackling questions and discussing them;
   2. Reflecting on this experience;
   3. Monitoring and evaluating one's own thinking;
   4. Studying the process of resolving problems;
   5. Noticing connections between what is learned and one's own experience.
2. To increase students' knowledge about problem solving in the curriculum. Students should be able to:
   1. Differentiate between problems and exercises in mathematics;
   2. Explain the different roles that different types of problems play in the curriculum;
   3. Identify factors that affect problem difficulty and problem-solving performance;
   4. Describe the role of problem solving in generating mathematics.
3. To increase students' knowledge about the current research in mathematical thinking and problem solving by:
   1. Reading current research articles;
   2. Searching additional studies;
   3. Comparing and contrasting results from different studies.

Expected outcomes

Students should be able to demonstrate through written assignments, tests, projects, and/or oral presentations, that they have achieved the objectives of MAT 543.

Method of Evaluating Outcomes

Evaluations are based on homework, class participation, presentations, written assignments, projects, short tests and scheduled examinations covering students' understanding of topics covered in MAT 543.

Text

The text and other required or recommended materials are chosen by the instructor.

Grading Policy

Students' grades are based on homework, class participation, short tests, projects, presentations, and/or scheduled examinations covering students' understanding of the topics covered in MAT 543. The instructor determines the relative weights of these factors.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance policy is set by the instructor.

Policy on Due Dates and Make-Up Work

Due dates and policy regarding make-up work are set by the instructor.

Schedule of Examinations

The instructor sets all test dates.

Academic Integrity

The mathematics department does not tolerate cheating. Students who have questions or concerns about academic integrity should ask their professors or the counselors in the Student Development Office, or refer to the University Catalog for more information. (Look in the index under "academic integrity".)

Accomodations for Students with Disabilities

Cal State Dominguez Hills adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities. If you have a disability that may adversely affect your work in this class, I encourage you to register with Disabled Student Services (DSS) and to talk with me about how I can best help you. All disclosures of disabilities will be kept strictly confidential. Please note: no accommodation may be made until you register with the DSS in WH B250. For information call (310) 243-3660 or to use telecommunications Device for the Deaf, call (310) 243-2028.

Revision history:

Prepared 1/31/01 (E. Krinsky). Revised 7/13/03, 7/25/06 (G. Jennings).