The course revolves around strategies for solving problems in mathematics. We will discuss the knowledge, skills and habits that distinguish experts from novices in this context, and the processes by which students become experts.

The learning objective for this course requires students demonstrate steps used in teaching core mathematical topics. The demonstration includes both performance and explanations of reading, observing, mimicking, attempting steps, guiding discussions of alternatives, and reviewing the process and its results.

Instructor:  Edoh Y. Amiran  

Office hours: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:00; and by appointment (email me to schedule).  

Office is BH220; Voice over internet: (360) 650–3487;  E-mail: edoh@wwu.edu.  

Topics:

First week, Jan. 9 to Jan. 12: Processes involved in learning to solve problems in mathematics.

Second week, 1/16 to 1/19: Calculus in 1 dimension. 

Monday, 1/15 is Martin Luther King Day. 

Third week, 1/22 to 1/26: Linear algebra. 

Fourth week, Jan. 29 to Feb. 2: Calculus in 3 dimensions.  

Fifth week, 2/5 to 29: Strategies for solving problems in mathematics.

Sixth week, 2/12 to 2/ 16: Differential equations. 

Seventh week, 2/20 to 2/23: Sequences and series. 

Monday, 2/19 is Presidents’ Day. 

Eighth week, Feb. 26 to Mar. 1: Practice guiding, suggesting, and reviewing solutions to problems from the topics in core mathematics. 

Ninth week, 3/4 to 3/8: Practice guiding, suggesting, and reviewing solutions to problems from the topics in core mathematics. 

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10.

Tenth week, 3/11 to 3/15: Practice guiding, suggesting, and reviewing solutions to problems from the topics in core mathematics. 

Grades will be based on eight problem sets. Homework will be assigned in class and will be due on Tuesdays of weeks 2 through 9.

General processes and resources.

Western Washington University is committed to supporting its students. This includes accommodations for spiritual or religious holidays, support for disabilities, support for organized athletic or cultural activities, and a welcoming class atmosphere for all. Students seeking variation in the scheduling of assignments should contact Edoh as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Resources available to students include the Math Center, the Counseling Center, the Health Center, Wellness Center, LGBTQ+ resources, and many other activity and support groups. 

Legal:

The following are links to information on academic honesty and on religious accommodations.