Eric's math class

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Statistics  2011-12                     Instructor: Eric Rhomberg

How can we understand and communicate about numbers and data that describe real, practical situations?

How can we best prepare ourselves in terms of mathematics to be successful in our post-high school lives?

How can we increase our comfort and confidence level in mathematics?

These will be the essential questions that guide our work throughout the year. This course is for students who want an alternative to pre-calculus and calculus – students who would benefit more from solidifying basic skills, preparing to be “college ready” in terms of computational skills, and developing their practical math fluency and confidence.

 

In this course, we will:

  • Use Statisitics as a playing field for developing our overall math fluency.

    Review math skills and concepts from basic computations through algebra and geometry.

  • Play math games, solve puzzles, engage in problem solving challenges and “number talks” in order to develop our “math minds” and our fluency with numbers.

  • Prepare for the math SAT and ACT tests.

  • Engage in practical math applications, helping to develop our mathematical competencies in “real life” settings such as business, personal finance, measurement and design, health and wellness, building trades, statistical analysis, current issues, politics, civics, social sciences, risk assessment and other areas of personal interest.

 

What is expected of you in this course?

Meeting the following expectations will help launch you and the whole class toward success:

  •  Arrive to class on time, with your materials, and ready to fully engage. 
  • During class try to stay relaxed but focused. Give everything your best shot. Don’t give up easily – take a deep breath and refocus.
  • Support your peers. Do your part to create a safe and effective collaborative environment.
  • Keep a well-organized, comprehensive math notebook. All class work, notes, homework, handouts, quizzes, tests, and projects should be neatly archived.
  • Do 20 minutes of focused math homework each night. If you get stuck on a problem, always write it out as far as you can take it (even if that just means writing out the initial problem). Bring your homework to class everyday, and be ready to go over it and ask questions.
  • Complete projects by the due date. Communicate with the instructor in advance to negotiate extensions.
  • Try to have fun with all of this!

 

The flow of the class:

Our class periods will vary depending on what we are working on. We will often start class with a “Warm-up” problem or challenge to activate our math thinking.

We will then divide the period up between two or three of the following:

  • Direct skill instruction to the whole class.

  • Individualized work and practice, with instructor(s) doing 1-on-1 coaching.

  • Games and Puzzles that liven things up and develop our math fluency.

  • Group problems that emphasize collaboration.

  • “Number Talks” in which we really break down and articulate how we think about and solve math problems.

  • Review of homework.

  • “Math labs” – hands-on, tangible math investigations.

  • Project time – class time to work on more extended projects.

  • Student presentations to the class.

  • Quizzes, tests, and practice tests.

 

I’m excited to be working with you! Let me know how I can help!

--Eric