The primary educational goal of this approach is to create a learning environment in which demonstrated successful learning occurs in terms of the development of each learner's performance-based math abilities. Human beings tend to learn from their mistakes.  They acquire new knowledge by successive approximations in which the error in their understanding eventually approaches zero. The Mastery TASK System developed for this course has been designed to give students the opportunity to learn-by-doing through continuously assessing and improving their understanding. 

Assessment Methods and Grades

The learning-by-doing cycle is:  Homework/CCW --> TASK Performance --> TASK Revision, and the course grade will be based on a 300 point total comprised of the following components.  

1. Homework/CCW (Computer Classwork) weekly assignments:  115 points 

Each CCW assignment is worth a total of 5 (or 10) points. In order to obtain the first 2 (4) points of each CCW assignment, it is required that each student attend the lab class in which it is assigned, and work on the CCW.  In order to obtain the remaining 3 (6) points, it is required that each student submit his/her completed CCW, including the self-assessment, by the end of the next scheduled class. Missing a lab class means that the first 2 (4) points will be automatically and permanently deducted from the corresponding CCW assignment. If a student feels that he/she has a valid reason for missing a lab class, then in order to be considered for a possible extension, he/she must notify the instructor by E-mail (or voicemail) before, or on the same day as the absence.

2. TASK Performances (usually about six forty minute tests):  85 points 

Each TASK is designed with a minimum mastery level (75-85%) targeted for each student to achieve. If this level is not achieved on the first attempt in class, but the score is at least 40%, then the student may receive additional credit (TBD) by revising his/her errors on the TASK for homework, and turning it in by the beginning of the next scheduled class. If a student feels that he/she has a valid reason for missing a TASK Performance, then in order to be considered for a possible make-up, he/she must notify the instructor by E-mail (or voicemail) before, or on the same day as the absence. If a student is absent without permission/notification then his/her score is automatically and permanently zero for the TASK.  

3. Midterm Exam:  40 points 

4. Final Exam:  60 points