AIS-Dhaka+MS+Course+Summary

toc =Course Summary AISD Middle School Math 6, Math 7, & Math 8= =2007-2008=

Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe. -Galileo Galilee

=Notebook= You will need a three-ring binder, three-hole punched lined loose-leaf paper, and dividers to use as a math notebook. To help you organize your work and make it easier for your teacher to follow: • Write your name, the date, day number, and your class on all journal entries and homework in the upper right hand corner of your paper. Identify problems with problem numbers. • Always do math work in pencil. When revising cross out the previous work, rather than erase it. This saves you time and helps your teacher to follow your thinking. Using green pen to do this makes it even easier to see. Divide your notebook into the following 6 sections:

Section 1: Forms
Keep current participation forms, and any informational handouts, e.g., this one, in the Forms section of your notebook.

Section 2: Journal
Include: • Notes. Write anything that will help you remember your thinking as well as class summaries of the ideas in each investigation. These notes are for your reference as you solve problems, answer homework questions, work on quizzes, and prepare for tests. • Problems and follow ups; also words, charts, pictures, or anything else to show your thinking. Journals will be collected periodically and assessed. Refer to your Journal Scoring Guide for details on expectations for these assignments.

Section 3: Mathematical Reflections
Mathematical Reflections are summaries of the separate investigations we will follow this year. They are crucial to demonstrating your understanding of the topics of class and will be periodically assessed by your teacher. Revision is encouraged.

Section 4:Vocabulary
You will be provided with a packet of this year’s vocabulary words. Be sure that each word is defined in your own words and each has an example and/or diagram to accompany it in the area provided.

Section 5: Homework Assignments
Keep your ACE assignments in this section. Homework should be completed to the best of your ability before the next class meeting and I will look for evidence of that. However, I recognize that you may have difficulty with homework and may need extra time or assistance. We will often have class time to review difficult problems. Many homework assignments will be collected for a grade, and will generally be due at the beginning of the second class after the assignment is given. This means you will have a day for any revisions. Refer to your Homework Scoring Guide for details on expectations for these assignments.

Section 6: Assessment
This section will include check ups, partner quizzes, tests, projects, completed participation grading sheets, and self-assessments. Each assessment has its own marking scheme. Points are determined by the amount of work involved in each problem.

=Redoing Work= Your math teachers want you to know that reflecting on and revising your work can be a powerful tool in increasing your math understanding. You may redo any piece of work (excluding journals and notebook checks), providing that you follow these requirements: 1) Do not erase any of your original work. 2) Hand in your original work stapled to your revised work. 3) If you are revising on the original sheet, please use a pen to show your corrections so it is clear what work you did originally and what is revision. 4) Please write the word “REDONE” on any work being re-submitted Upon handing in your redone work, you may earn up to ½ of the percentage points missed on the original assignment. For example, if you earned 80% on a check-up, you could earn up to an additional 10% by redoing it (90% -“A”). If you achieved only 50% on your original, you could earn an additional 25% to achieve a 75% “C.” Late Work Late work will not be accepted unless pre-arranged with your math teacher or due to absence. When you are absent, it is your responsibility to hand in any missing work. Please see the current unit journal and homework record to see what you have missed and check with your table group to check what was handed in during your absence.

=Participation= Participation means questioning, listening, and offering your ideas in class. You will be provided participation-grading sheets to be handed in every fifth class. You will be given time in class to fill in this fort at the end of class, giving evidence of your participation in the class. Please include one of the following on your participation form each class day: • when and how you contributed to the class discussion • when you used an idea from the class discussion to revise your work or thinking • whether or not you still have unanswered questions about today’s topic The participation form will help your teacher assess how engaged you are with the class. These forms and teacher observation will be reflected in your Work Habits score on your report card.

=Learning Environment (draft)= You are expected to come to math class prepared, in a serious state of mind, ready to learn and cooperate with your classmates and me. Here is how you demonstrate that you are meeting this expectation: Finish your before-school, break, or lunch activities with enough time to catch your breath, dry off, wipe the crumbs off of your clothing, get a drink of water, take care of your personal needs, and be in your seat when class starts. Arriving at the last possible instant, dripping with sweat, thirsty, or hungry indicates that you are not taking your math education very seriously.

• When class begins you should be seated quietly with your book opened to the previous problem, your assignment out, clean paper available, and sharpened pencil with eraser at hand. If you need other materials, your teacher will inform you before class or give you class time to get it. If instructions are on the board, you should follow them. Otherwise, be ready to review the previous day's lesson or homework or start working in your journal.

Every person has the right to be treated with respect, as does the class as a whole. Here is how you demonstrate respect for yourself, your classmates, and the class as a whole:

• Actively listen when someone, teacher or student, is speaking to the class. • Participate in our discussions. Try to make your participation as constructive as possible by thinking before you speak. Make your comments relevant to the question asked or the previous comment. • Be respectful of other people's ideas. Try to build on them. • Wait for your turn to speak. If someone else is speaking or has simply paused to think, it is not your turn yet. Remember that everyone has ideas to contribute and is required to participate. So, don't expect to share all of your ideas with the whole class. • Let others have a turn. • When you do speak, use a proper volume for your audience. When addressing a small group, you will need to speak softer than when participating in a whole class discussion. • Refrain from touching other students or their belongings. • Refrain from distracting other students from the discussion or their work. These guidelines will provide us with a mutually respectful learning environment in which we can all be successful.

=Grading Summary= Mathematical Reflections – 20% Journal – 10% Homework & Check Ups – 20% Partner Quizzes – 20% Tests/Projects – 30%