Math 13 + 213 – Intro to Statistics with Support

Course Codes:  42032 & 42410

Laney College – Fall 2020

Live Zoom Class Time: Tue/Th 9:00-11:00am

(Recorded video will be on Canvas)

Instructor:  Kyla Oh

Email:  koh@peralta.edu

Office Hours: TuTh 11:00am-12:00pm via Zoom or by appointment

Class Requirements:

·      Course website (Canvas): Canvas is our main point of contact.  All announcements, course materials, recorded class videos, and class activities, will be on Canvas.

·      Canvas Modules Reading and Questions (CMRQ): Free interactive textbook is on Canvas Modules.

 

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Math 13+213 Statistics with Support!

I’m excited to begin the semester with you and help you on your educational journey!  This course will be completely online.  I understand some of you may be worried about taking an online course. I want to reassure you that you will not be alone.  There will be many opportunities for engagement:  live class via Zoom (strongly recommended, but not mandatory), discussion boards, video feedback, and group work. I will host online study sessions/study groups for peer collaboration. I will also have online office hours for anyone who would like help outside of class.

I also want you to know that feeling nervous when you try something new is completely normal! Remember two things: one, moving outside your comfort zone is the most powerful way to grow and learn and, two, know that this class is designed for beginners and I have the utmost confidence in you! Take things one step at a time. We are in this together. I am here for you.

There is a lot of important information in this syllabus.  Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with some of the online materials we will be using.  We will work together to get set up.

The best way to reach me is via email at koh@peralta.edu or through Canvas email. I usually respond within 24 hours.

Course Overview

Zoom: Class will meet Tuesday August 25th through Thursday December 10th.  We will meet on  Zoom Tues & Thurs. from 9:00-11:00am.  The Zoom link and password are on the Canvas homepage. I’ll use the remaining class time from 11:00-11:50am for help sessions, questions and one-on-one meetings.  

Zoom sessions will consist of minimized lecture time. Students will spend a majority of the time working in randomly-assigned breakout groups of 4 persons.  During breakout, students will have an opportunity to work on exercises together and be assisted by in-class tutors as well as myself. 

Zoom sessions will be recorded so that you can access them anytime afterward.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATH 13+213

How does the Math 13 & Math 213 combination work?

This section of Statistics (Math 13) is paired with Support for Statistics (Math 213). Instructional content for both courses will be blended in the same online Canvas site. Throughout the term, any topics identified by the instructor as needing review or additional explanation in order to succeed in the Math 13 course will be included as part of the Math 213 content.

Will I be assigned a grade for Math 13 & a grade for Math 213?

Yes, your transcript will show a grade for each course. Math 213 is a Pass/No-pass course, meaning that you will receive a P or an NP in your transcript for Math 213. You will receive a P so long as you receive a 70% or higher in Math 13. You will receive a regular letter grade for Math 13.

Can I drop Math 213 and stay enrolled in Math 13, or vice versa?

No. If you drop one of the two courses, you will automatically be dropped from the other.

Do I need a notebook?

I recommend using a notebook. Notes are a useful record of key information.  Taking notes helps you remember what you heard and prepare and enables you to concentrate and listen effectively.

Student Learning Outcomes

List the approved course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for your course. These can also be found on the COR.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Create inferences about populations based on data obtained from samples.
2. Decide whether or not a particular analytical methodology is appropriate given a particular statistical or probabilistic context and justify your response.
3. Formulate analyses of graphical relationships between variables in a sample or a population.

Instructor Communication and Office Hours

Office Hours:  TuTh 11:00-12:00pm

Your success is important to me.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are having difficulty with the course material.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at koh@peralta.edu.  My goal is to respond to messages within 6 hours between 7am and 7pm, Monday-Friday.  However, it is a goal and unforeseen circumstances can arise. 

Textbook or Course Materials

All materials are available on Canvas.

Assignments and Grading

Grading:	Letter Grade Distribution:
Canvas Activities/Participation……………………..  10% Canvas Modules Readings & Questions …………   20% Checkpoint Quizzes………………………….…………..   15% Lab Assignments & Projects …………………..……...  30%  Study Skills…………………………………….………...……   5% Final Project …………………………………………..……   20%	> 89%             A                80%-89%    B                70% -79%    C                60%-  69%   D               < 60%             F (After rounding your overall grade to the nearest percent)

 

Canvas Activities/Participation (10%)

You will receive credit for regular Canvas activities and participation in the discussion board on Canvas. 

 

Canvas:

You can access the free online reading materials at the course Canvas page. In Canvas there are four different types of assignments embedded into the modules.

      Homework: Canvas Modules Reading and Questions (20%)

1. Reading with examples: When working in Canvas, you must do each page in order. You cannot skip around. This encourages you to read the material before jumping into the graded exercises.  You can complete these readings after the due date, but I encourage you to be timely so that you can keep up with the material.
2. Did I Get This quizzes: There are many short Did I Get This quizzes embedded in the Canvas modules to help you test your understanding as you work through the material. You can take each Did I Get This quiz three times and revise your answers based on the feedback provided. Your highest score is recorded.  You can complete these readings after the due date, but I encourage you to be timely so that you can keep up with the material.

Discussion Items (included in Canvas Activities/Participation (10%) above)

3. Discussion items: Some challenging problems are set up as online discussions. A module contains anywhere from 0-3 discussions. Groups are randomly assigned for each module, so you will usually work with the same small group for one to two weeks.

To earn full credit, post your answer on time and provide high quality written feedback to at least two people in your group before the discussion is set to close. You will find more details about discussions linked to each discussion board item in Canvas. I do not accept late work, instead at the end of the semester, your 3 lowest discussion grades will be dropped.

Checkpoint Quizzes (15%)

4. Checkpoint quizzes: Checkpoint quizzes occur at the end of each module and at the end of a Unit. You have two attempts on Checkpoints, only the highest score is recorded. Use the feedback to improve your score. At the end of the semester, your 5 lowest checkpoint quiz grades will be dropped.

 

Lab Assignments & Projects (30%): Labs are assignments that help you synthesize what you have learned. Groups are randomly assigned and you will work with your group on the labs.  I do not accept late lab assignments since you will be working in groups. 

Projects will be short papers that will be assigned throughout the course. Projects will be assigned instead of exams. It is a different way of showing me that you understand and can apply concepts from class to small sets of data from start to finish, without the added time pressure of an exam. They take longer than an exam, but you can get help. You may work with others from class on the data portion of the projects but I expect your written work to be original. These projects are a very important part of class. I will be checking in with you regularly on your project, but if you need help sooner please ask.  I do not accept late projects. 

 

Study Skills (5%):  This component of your grade is designed to help you be successful in this course, as well as your other courses.  To receive full credit you need to do one of the following:

• Pass every project with 70% or better. In this case you will automatically receive full credit for the study skills grade.
• Complete Mandatory Study Skills Meeting and Study Skills Assignment.

 

Final Project (20%).  Instead of a final exam, you will have a final project.  You can investigate a topic of interest to you. You will collect data, analyze it, and draw inferences based on the data. You will submit a written report.  You may be required to present your findings to the class.  I will be checking in with you regularly on your project, but if you need help sooner please ask.  I do not accept late projects.  

Other Information

Attendance: There will be two class meetings per week via Zoom. Attendance at these class meetings is strongly recommended but not required. Recordings of the meetings will be available on Canvas.

Tutoring: The Math Lab is open online M-Th 9am – 7pm for free tutoring assistance for students.  Instructions:  1) Sign in to:  https://laney.edu/mathematics/math-lab/  2) follow the link provided (after signing in) to join a tutoring session.

Missing class/withdrawing

I highly encourage you to attend live class via Zoom! If you cannot attend, be sure to watch the recorded Zoom session.  Because we are only online, if you do not attend live class, keep up with Canvas, or check in with me for two consecutive weeks, I reserve the right to drop you from the class.

You also have the option of dropping the class on your own. If you want to drop, please contact me to discuss your options.  We might be able to devise a plan together that will help you to continue and succeed.

If you decide to drop, you must initiate the withdrawal.  Pay attention to the deadlines:

Mon Sep 7      Last Day to Drop Full-Term Credit Classes without "W" Appearing on Transcript

Fri Nov 20      Last Day to Withdraw and Receive a "W"

 

Accommodations: “If you have a disability which may require classroom or test accommodations, please contact Programs and Services for Students with Disabilities (DSPS) in Building E Room 251 (via online) or call DSPS at 510-464-3428. You will need to provide written documentation of your disability. If you think you have a disability but currently have no documentation, DSPS may be able to help you. If you already have an accommodation notification from DSPS, please submit it to the instructor immediately. All information will be kept confidential. ”

Student Honesty Policy: Please make sure any work produced is your own. There is a difference between collaboration and cheating. Working with your peers (collaboration) can support your learning, particularly when the tasks are difficult. However, when you are graded individually on work that is the product of collaboration with your peers, it is important that you are clear on the distinction between collaboration and cheating (plagiarism). Plagiarism is defined as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.” At the very least, a student engaging in academic dishonesty will receive a 0 on that exam or assignment. The student may also be referred for disciplinary action to the dean.

If you are having trouble in the course come talk to me or a counselor. I am more than happy to give any advice or help you with any concepts giving you trouble, tips for studying, etc. Cheating is never worth risking your education!

Class Behavior: This class should be a space where everyone feels comfortable and safe. When given a choice, choose kindness.  Whether directed at the instructor or another student, rude or abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated.  Failure to follow these rules or the Peralta Community College District Student Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

Veterans:  We are honored to have veterans on campus and look forward to their continued success here. For some veterans, going back to school can present unique challenges. If that is true for you, remember that you do not have to face these challenges on your own. We are here to help.  Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the curriculum, the assignments, or your academic program with me in person.  Thank you for your service, and for those of you who deployed, welcome home!

Strategies for Success

View struggle as a natural part of learning, don’t worry, work hard.

Productive struggle is an important part of learning. Numerous studies in educational psychology show that productive struggle leads to deeper learning. If you are not struggling to some degree, you are probably not learning the material deeply enough to understand it or remember it. But struggling (even when productive) can be frustrating and uncomfortable, so don’t worry if something does not make sense the first time you hear it or read it. Persist, ask questions, and use the feedback provided.

Make the most of the material in Canvas.
What are ways to encourage yourself to productively struggle with the material in Canvas? Here are some suggestions:

• Take notes, but do not just copy things from Canvas. Instead, when you finish a page, force yourself to write down the important ideas that you just covered without looking back at the material. Include an interesting or memorable example, because often the context of an example will help you remember the concept that is illustrated by the example. Then review the page and adjust your notes if necessary. There are many studies that show that forcing yourself to try to remember material that you just covered will lead to better understanding and recall. This forces your mind to process and make sense of stuff.
  
  
• Make the most of your opportunities to retake quizzes in Canvas. if you miss a question, carefully read the feedback and try again. If you are just guessing and you luck out and get the answer right, see if you can determine why the other answer options are incorrect. Then read through the feedback for the wrong answers to check your understanding.

 

Get help when you need it!
It sounds simple but can be hard to do, especially if you are feeling frustrated or confused or running up against a deadline. If at some point you feel like giving up, or you begin to just click through the Canvas quizzes without actively engaging, or you are tempted to copy someone else’s work in class, ask for help as soon as possible.

Getting help from your instructor: The easiest way to get help from me is come to my office hours or to go to tutoring help sessions. I have office hours, which are listed in this syllabus. I am also available by appointment. I am here to help you.

Getting help at the math lab: The Laney Math Lab is open online Mon-Thurs 9am – 7pm, see above.

Getting help from embedded tutors:  I hope to have one or two Laney students who will work in our zoom classroom and provide assistance to students during in-class activities.  They will also be available for tutoring outside of class times.

Getting help from classmates: This semester you will work together both in-class and out-of-class with your peers. Working with others has advantages. It can keep you motivated. In addition, talking can build deeper understanding and help ideas stick. However, there is a difference between working with someone else and letting somebody else do your work for you. Make sure that your collaboration with your peers is supporting your learning and not undermining it.

Please note that information in this syllabus is subject to change.

Above all, come to class to learn and to participate