OIS Mathematics
You are expected to read, to write and to master numerous forms of technology. You are expected to think, to evaluate and to predict. It is my hope that you will find this class both fun and rewarding but at the same time challenging and thought provoking. So you enter the class with a commitment to hard work and I commit to trying to make the class relevant and applicable. It should be a great year!
Syllabus
Unit Plans

What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing. - Aristotle

Philosophy
The mathematics courses at OIS are designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for analyzing, and drawing conclusions from the given information. The areas of study include trigonometry, geometry, algebra, calculus, matrices, vectors, probability and statistics.

The course follows the International Baccalaureate  curriculum established by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) while also including material which will guide students in conducting and communicating their own analysis. Students will learn standard terms and techniques through multimedia presentation of real world cases. They will also perform their own analysis and research using such sources as the Internet and real world mentors.

Technology
Students will also be required to communicate their analysis through formal writing assignments. Technology will be an integral part of the course as students will be expected to use mathematical software, web design software or programming, spreadsheets and presentation software to perform their analyses, present their findings, and investigate topics visually. All students are required to have a graphing calculator. If you need to purchase a new calculator, the Department of Mathematics recommends the TI-84+; however, the TI-83+ is still acceptable.

Grading
Grading is a bit up in the air at this point. I am still learning how to incorporate the IB curriculum into my teaching style. However, I anticipate the following:

Classroom Policies and Expectations
Placement
During the 10th grade we will look at ability and motivation to determine whether math studies, standard level or higher level mathematics is the best option for 11th grade.

Academic Integrity
All students will be held to the highest standards in this area. Only authorized aid may be used on any particular assignment. Please see the student handbook for more details. In general, students may talk to each other, provide help and direction but each student should do their own work! Copying is never allowed. If there is a question as to what is allowed, please talk to me BEFORE it becomes an issue. Academic dishonesty can have severe consequences so please think before you do something foolish.

Homework
Homework will be given every night with the intention of mastering various concepts and  problems. Usually there will be both reading and problem solving and occasionally writing assignments. Students are expected to complete each assignment and ask questions the following day. Students should spend no more than 40 minutes on the average on nightly homework. In general, homework will not be graded (though I reserve the right to grade it if it is needed). However, that means it becomes the students responsibility to master the material, to ask questions and to make sure the concepts are clear. Homework is a vital component of success in math.

21 ways to improve your math grade (and do well on the Diploma test)
My list of math studying advice:
1.  You can never do too many problems. You must think about what is being asked. What concepts are being questioned? You must identify the question(s) you hope to address. You must think about the underlying assumptions and conditions you need to check before moving to an analysis. You must be skeptical about the data, questions and ideas. Find the key to the puzzle.

Then you can (let the technology) do the calculations.

Finally, you MUST make sure you answer the question. You may need to write a few sentences explaining your conclusions in terms of the real world and addressing the questions you identified.

Of these, only the calculation step is rote. That's the part that doesn't really need much drill. (Though students will want to be facile with their calculators.)

2.  THINK, THINK, THINK. Do several problems of each type until you are VERY comfortable with a technique.  
3.  Always do the homework that is assigned.  If you have any difficulties, do MORE than what was assigned.
4.  Check your answers - ALWAYS.  If you have answers in the book, check them.  If I provides an answer key in the classroom or online, check them.  If there is a classmate who does quality work, check answers with them.  
5.  Make a list of the types of problems you are responsible for.  Every kind and their variations. Then write down an example of each and the steps involved.
6.  Make a list of math techniques that you can apply to problems in the chapter you are studying.  This is your bag of tricks.  Memorize them!   If you are working a new problem (or are taking a test)  and get stuck, go through your list and see if any of those techniques might apply.
7.  Write yourself little notes as you learn little important things, little tricks, things to remember.
8.  Find outside resources when available.  Use all your resources.  If there is stuff online from me, be sure to use it.  If there are outside review books, get several and use them.  If I have old practice tests posted, do them.  If you have an older sibling or a parent that can do this stuff, by all means take their assistance.  
9.  Take notes in class.  Put the date on your notes.  Have your friends take notes and date them also.  Helps when comparing.  Write down everything that I put on the board or overhead.  The more material you have to work with, the more you can study.  You need material to study from.  Sometimes the more difficult types of problems are modeled for you in class.  Study these.  When you are stuck on a homework question, check your class notes.  Sometimes problems done in class are previews of test questions.
10.  When doing a problem, you don't need to know how it will turn out when you start.  Just start and see where it leads you.  Remember to simplify (but not round) as you go; you may get to a point where you  "see" what to do next by what form your intermediate work is taking.  
11.  Sometimes you can work a problem from both ends and meet in the middle.
12.  When possible, do not round until the end of the problem.  Work your calculator or your math on paper so that you keep it as exact as possible.
13.  Study and do homework with a study partner.  Find someone you can work well with.  Do homework simultaneously - checking each other's work.  Talk about different methods.  Be sure you discuss the little details.  This will help you remember.
14.  Spend about 30 - 40 minutes studying each day.  In college a rule of thumb is to spend 2 or 3 hours studying for every 1 hour in class.  High school should take you less time, but don't be afraid to spend a lot of time studying math.  You need to go over concepts - make a list of the techniques - and do a bunch of problems to practice, and list anything else you feel is important to remember. Each section is a separate concept with techniques and variations.  Give it its due time.  The goal isn't to "get by" but to learn it well.
15.  You need to analyze what it is that you need to know.  MAKE LISTS.  MAKE "CHEAT SHEETS" of all the important things in the chapter.  This will help you study for the current chapter test and will help you review for the AP or final later.
16.  When studying for a test, you should be reviewing stuff you already learned - this is not the time to learn something for the first time.  Be sure to keep up with class, doing and checking all homework as you go.  Be sure you can do all the types of problems you are responsible for.  Master the material.  Then when you are at the end of the chapter, you are simply reviewing and bringing it fresh in your mind.
17.  Come and see me if you have any questions.  If you study 2 days before the test, then you can still ask questions on the day before the test.
18.  Be sure to go back through class notes and chapter quizzes when you make your lists to study for the chapter.  Don't leave anything out.  
19.  Once you've made your list, study it.  Memorize techniques, go over the tricky problems enough so that you'll  recognize them on a test and you'll remember what to do.
20.  Another quote:  "Studying is what you do to firmly fix new information in your memory.  You study to learn and to improve your ability to recall what you need to know."   I often ask students, "How will you remember this?"  Find a way to get it into your brain so that you'll know it the next time you need it.
21.  Never, ever, say you "looked it over".  You need to DO IT,  and do LOTS of it.
 

Textbook
Textbooks will be distributed in class along with other handouts. All materials should be brought to class every day unless specific instructions are given otherwise.

Writing
It is as important to explain your findings as it is to perform the arithmetic correctly. Thus your assignments may include a component on how well you are able to convey your thoughts. Clear, concise and complete will be the main criteria.

Stats Binder
Organization is up to you. Use whatever works for you. It is recommended that you create a binder or notebook with divisions for each chapter, concept or topic. Also create a section for Exam Prep/Review

Extra Help
If I am not teaching (or in a meeting) I am available for extra help. After school is generally a great time for help as I am generally here until 4:45ish. To be certain though, it is best to check with me ahead of time or make an appointment. I will also try to make resources available on line.

Food
Water is welcome in class. Bring a water bottle. It works both to keep you alert and hydrated. Food is also welcome in class IF YOU BRING ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH THE WHOLE CLASS!!! If only one person has food it serves to be more of a distraction for everyone and besides it is only polite to share with everyone.

Napping
I take napping to be a personal insult. If you are tired (which happens) stand up quietly in the back of the room, drink water or find something to help you stay awake.

Contacting Me
If you need to get in touch with me, the most efficient way is to use e-mail (jkillmer@senri.ed.jp).