Post Secondary Teaching and Learning - PSTL

Description:  A first course in algebra taught using computer-mediated instruction. You learn new material using interactive multimedia computer software. There are no lectures. You will be on the computer 70% of each class period. The rest of the time you will be working on algebra problems, taking exams, and working individually with the instructor. This course is not self-paced; you must follow a set schedule for checkpoints, homework, and exams. Course covers concepts and procedures of elementary algebra at a level of difficulty and abstraction geared for students enrolled at a research university. To be successful you must enter the course being able to work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Course content includes real number (signed number) operations, equations, inequalities, absolute value, rectangular (x-y) graphs, systems, exponents, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and equations, and word problems. Hourly time commitment per week: Class: 4, Reading: 1, Writing: 0, Studying: 2, Homework: 6. Homework assignments ask you to work 10-40 problems each class day. Testing includes daily checkpoints (one question mini-quizzes), four 50 minute closed-book exams and a two hour comprehensive final. Course prepares you for Intermediate Algebra, PsTL 0732.

Class URL:  http://www.tc.umn.edu/%7Edroberts/

Class Time: 30% Discussion, 70% Web Based. Computer-mediated instruction, working on problems, interacting with instructor

Work Load: 20 pages reading per week, 4 exams, 30 homework assignments. 10-40 homework problems for each class period

Grade: 60% mid exam, 20% final exam, 10% quizzes, 10% written homework.

Exam Format: Algebra problems to solve (e.g. Solve this equation); Exams are closed book but calculators are allowed..

Instructor:  Robertson,Douglas Frederick (Morse Alumni Award; UC Outstanding Teaching Award) | Instructor Photo