Course Syllabus 2015 - 2016

The American School in Switzerland

Mr. Schiff

Course Syllabus 2015 - 2016

Daniel.schiff@tasis.ch

Schiffmath.blogspot.ch

Portals.veracross.com/tasis

IGCSE Extended/ Core Mathematics 1

“Math is a doing subject, not a reading subject”

Math is a common language of relationships, order, and problem solving. Like learning any language, it is important to understand (not memorize) the basics.

My #1 goal is not for you to learn mathematics. It's for you to learn to love learning. More than a pencil, paper, or calculator, I want you to bring an inquisitive attitude to class each and every day. Good communication, creativity, and a joy for learning are essential.

(Note: pencil, paper, and calculator are also required.)

 

3 Keys to success in this math class:

1. Participate:

• Everyday, a pencil, graphing calculator, and notebook must be brought to class.
• You must have a calculator of some sort.
• Notes must be taken every day.
• Please have a binder for this course, to keep track of homework, tests and papers (It will be collected and graded).           
• Class participation, group work, & leading examples on the board will be expected of all.
• Tests will be given at the end of each chapter and partially cumulative. 

2. Ask Questions:

·      Don’t be scared!

·      If you need additional help please ask. I can make myself available for extra help outside of class. There will also be a math help center available to answer any math questions you may have during study halls or in the afternoon. I can always be reached through my email at: daniel.schiff@tasis.ch

·      You must speak English in class, not your native language.

3. Practice:

• Homework will be assigned every night and will be graded heavily. 
• Homework will range from problems in the book, watching instructional videos, or creating presentations.
• Show all work on every problem and clearly circle your answer.
• TASIS has a zero tolerance policy on cheating, however your classmates are your largest assets for help or confusion on homework. Know the difference- it will get you far.

Attendance

Please be on time to all classes. Tardiness creates a distraction for all of your classmates as well as the teacher. If you are absent, please get the notes and homework from a classmate or check with me to make sure you are caught up on all of the material. Continued tardies will result in you having to visit your grade dean before you are allowed in class.

Respect

·      Every student is coming from a different background in math:

·      Be respectful to everyone in class, regardless of whether that student is more or less advanced than you.

·      Teasing, joking, or mocking of another student because of a mistake is never tolerated.

·      You must always be in dress code before entering the class, otherwise you will be sent home to change.

·      Feel free to talk to me individually if there are any issues with course difficulty, teaching methods, or content.

Technology

Technology should be used for classroom purposes. Not social purposes. Again, this is one of the lessons I want to teach you and change the culture of TASIS with. Cell phones should not be used for facebook/ instagram, etc. in class. You spend your whole life staring at a screen. I want you to learn to focus on having fun in class. It will make you a better person!

Grading System

Tests will be announced well in advance to test days, however pop quizzes may or may not be announced.

50% - Chapter Tests

25% - Homework

25% - Quizzes

100%

A: 90 – 100 %             D: 60 – 69 %

                B: 80 – 89 %                F: < 60 %

                C: 70 – 79 %

Academic Honesty at TASIS

Honesty is a core value and an attribute of personal integrity. It applies to all aspects of life at TASIS, including academics. Incidents of academic cheating or plagiarism are example of dishonest conduct and are taken very seriously. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

•       Copying another student’s work.

•       Cheating on a test.

•       Helping another student to cheat.

•       Claiming any material from another source as one’s own work (plagiarism).

In all cases of academic dishonesty, the student will:

•       Receive a failing grade for the assessment or assignment.

•       Be required to re-do/complete the assignment in question.

•       Be recorded in the student’s school record.

•       Will engage in a reflective exercise.