Cathleen O'Neil, Instructor Profile

Format:  I like lots of participation in class.  The classroom should be a place where every student feels comfortable asking questions about math.  Please ask questions at any point during class.  The only stupid questions are those that go unasked.  We will always begin with the opportunity to ask questions about old material, no matter how far back you want to go.  Then we will discover and develop new material.

Assessment:  Grades will be based on three to five projects, three to five examinations, some form of homework, and the final.  I encourage students to work together both in and out of class .

Homework:  Class time is for exploration of new concepts; outside of class you need to drill, drill, drill.  Homework will be assigned in the textbook everyday, and I expect you to ask questions about every problem you don't get.  Once you get behind, it is hard to catch up.  I grade some form of daily work for all classes at the precalculus level and below.  For calculus classes, I grade homework check problems similar to those in the textbook; students have about a week to work on those problems.  Diligent practice on the daily homework should make these checks a snap.

Attendance:  Attendance is not a factor in grading in any way.  However, I don't in general accept late papers (students can turn in up to two assignments 24 hours late with a 10% penalty),  and I don't give makeup tests (students may take a test early or replace any missed test with the final exam score).

Calculator:  A graphing calculator with matrix capabilities is required for courses at the college algebra level and above.  My personal favorites are the TI-83 and TI-84, but any type will do.  If you use something other than a TI, keep the manual handy so we can figure out how to do the equivalent operations.  Since calculators capable of symbolic manipulation such as the TI-89 or TI-Nspire are not allowed on tests, it would be a good idea not to rely on one for daily work.

Availability:  I am available for at least an hour every day, Monday through Friday; my current schedule is posted on my web site at http://staff.jccc.net/coneil. You can also make an appointment with me if the posted office hours are inconvenient.  You are welcome to come in whenever you see my door open.

Additional Information:  I enjoy applications of mathematics.  I've had several jobs other than teaching when I earned my living doing math outside the classroom, so I especially enjoy answering "When are we ever going to use this?"