Our university uses a Course Management System (like Blackboard or Educator).  This class meets in a classroom-computer lab, where students sit in pairs or triads at shared workstations (2 – 3 students per computer).  When students arrive for the first class period, I give them a one-page handout with questions similar to these.  Their first group activity is to find the Syllabus and work together to answer these questions.  I vary the questions from course-to-course or semester-to-semester to focus student attention on particular parts of the Syllabus. BR

Calculus I: Syllabus Questions

(first day of class)

Sr. Barbara Reynolds

Directions: Go to (insert URL for Course Management System), login, and find the syllabus for this course.  Work with one or two of your classmates to read the syllabus and begin to answer these questions.  Complete this questionnaire for homework; turn it in at the beginning of the next class.  (Use an extra page if you need more room for your responses.)

Write your responses to these questions in complete sentences.

1. What two computational strategies are fundamental in the study of calculus? 

2. Where can you find the text for this course?  Why did the instructor choose to adopt this text for this course?

3. What is the instructor’s policy on attendance?  If it is absolutely necessary for you to miss a class, what can you do to make up class participation points for the missed class?

4. How many tests will there be?  When (what dates) are these scheduled?  How will you know what will be on each test?

5. What are Benchmark tests?  How will your performance on the Benchmarks contribute to your course grade?  When will the first benchmark be offered?

6. When is the final exam for this course?  How will it contribute to your course grade?

7. What are the prerequisites for this course?  Do you have any concerns about your ability to do well in this course?

8. Do you have any questions right now?