Your grade will be according to the percent of the
total achievable points.
A 
90% 80% 
B < 90% 70% C < 80%
60% D < 70% F
< 60%
Homework
(20% of your course grade, all homework is due online;)
v
Homework
listed on the homework handout that is not grayed out is due in the text book.
This homework will have to be handed in at the end of each chapter. Exact due
dates will be announced in class.
v
It
is important that you learn to write mathematics and work out problems showing
the necessary steps. You will have to keep a notebook where you show the steps
necessary to get the answers that you put in online. If the answer comes back
incorrectly you can go over your work and find the mistake. In addition written
work can be used to study more efficiently. When you can see the problem and how you
worked it out, you can remind your brain and leaning happens faster. This is
part of the studying for the course.
v
Most
of the learning happens outside the class room. That is why homework is not
optional. It is a big part of your grade. If you know the material, the
homework won’t take long. If you don’t know it yet, the homework is the only
way for you to master the material.
v
Getting
behind in your math homework is the fastest way to fail the class.
v
The
student solution manual is a great resource. Many students find it one of the
best resources. Make use of it.
v
If
you don’t know how to do a problem use the online features “Read it”, “Watch it”,
“Practice it” and “Chat about” it.
Quizzes
and Class participation (5% of your course
grade)
v
Quizzes
will be given unannounced in class. In order to pass your quizzes, do your
homework on time. These quizzes give you practice for the in-class tests. When
you are able to do the homework problems without using any help, you are ready
for the quizzes and the test.
v
Quizzes
are given at the beginning of class. No make-up quizzes, unless you were
excused before class. If you are late --- you missed it!!!
v
Class
participation will be based on attendance and participation in class.
v
Make
sure you find out what happened in class if you have to miss class.
v
In
the unlikely event that your instructor is out for a day, you are responsible
to read the directions at the door of the class room.
In-class Tests and Final (75%
of your course grade)
v
If
you have completed your homework, and you can do any problem without referring
back to examples, you should be able to pass the in-class tests. There will be three
in-class tests. One each for chapters 1 – 2, chapter 3 – 4, and chapters 5 – 6
(subject to change if necessary.) Chapter 7 will be covered on the final exam.
v
If
you cannot attend class on the day of a test, you must notify your instructor
before the exam and take it early. Scheduling conflicts and/or problems arise
and we will work out a solution! If you miss an exam un-excused, you earn 0
points. Missing class on test days is “mathematical suicide.” Even if you are
not ready, show up and show what you know. You will get more than 0 points.
v
I
see or hear your phone during a test, I will collect the test immediately and
grade it as is. Absolutely no phones allowed as calculator. No TI 89, or
Voyager during the test.
General
Rules Learning
mathematics depends more on hard work, than on any other factor. Your success
is dependent on your willingness to exert sufficient effort. Specifically, to
succeed in this course you must:
v
Devote
enough time to the study to the course. In general you must study 2 to 3 hours
for every class hour of the course. This means you complete your homework, read
the book, work through the examples and do extra problems. The amount of study time depends on your
strengths and weaknesses. In this short course you must study and complete your
homework every day, since tomorrow we will cover three more sections. Catching
up will be impossible, Just like you have to eat every day, you must plan for
study time every day.
v
Attend
every class. Come to class prepared to participate and willing to help your
classmates.
v
Seek
help from your instructor as soon as the need arises. REMEMBER: If you need
help, don't be afraid to ask. Ask your
instructor when you need help. Find a study buddy. It is much easier when
you are not alone.
v
TEXTING,
MAKING PHONECALLS OR SENDING EMAILS DURING CLASS IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND WILL NOT
BE TOLERATED.
Ways to contact your instructor
v
As
the
v
Call
and leave a message at (562) 463-3222. Always say your name slowly, leave the
date and time of the call, your class and if possible, a number where you can
be reached.
v
E-mail
your instructor at gspieler@riohondo.edu; always put your class in the subject
line (Math 175). Make sure to sign your email with your name. If I cannot
identify your email because you don't put your name or there is no subject
line, I will not read your message.
v
Leave
a message in your instructor’s mailbox in S233.
A
few more remarks from your instructor:
v
Just
as your instructor prepares for your class, she expects a commitment from you,
the student. If you are sick, you should notify the instructor, just as you
would call your work place if you were sick. You will get out of the class
exactly what you put into it. If your attitude is half hearted so will be your
results. Learn for your personal growth, not for the grade. If you do your
best, you won’t have to have regrets and your grade will be just right.
v
Be
on time! It is impolite to disrupt those who were on time. Arriving on time is
polite and it is also necessary in order not to disturb your fellow students.
Make sure you give yourself enough time for your commute, to find parking and
to walk to class. Note that due to the construction on campus some roads are
closed. The class starts at the time published in the schedule of classes, not
10 minutes later. If you are late for an unavoidable reason, enter quietly and
sit in the back.
v
Turn
off or silence your phones; if you must be available please turn them to silent
mode. Taking phone calls or text-messaging in class is unacceptable. If you
have an emergency let the instructor know.
The
Teacher opens the door, but you must enter.
Getting
started with Webassign:
1.
Go to: https://www.webassign.net/student.html
2. Click on: I have a class key
3. Enter the class key (all lower case) riohondo
2049 8991, click submit.
4. Click on yes this is my class (if you
recognize your instructor’s name)
5. Create a new webassign account if you need
to otherwise choose I already have a web assign account.