PCM 23: Pre-College Mathematics

Want to Meet the Basic Math Competency by Testing?

What is PCM 23?

PCM 23, Pre-College Mathematics is a non-credit mathematics course designed for students who must acquire fundamental skills to advance to community college mathematics courses.

Students taking PCM 23 will review the basic arithmetic skills: operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Other topics include: ratio and proportion, measurement, and signed numbers. Study skills, time management, note taking, test preparation, and anxiety-reduction are emphasized.

Supervised collaborative work groups, progress-monitoring, counseling, and computer-assisted instruction will be major components of the class.

Course Goals

PCM 23 is designed to give students the opportunity to:

• Develop a mastery of arithmetic skills through guided practice.
• Develop an understanding of the application of arithmetic to practical situations.
• Increase their self confidence by providing organized content, regular feedback, and tutoring.
• Improve their learning skills and behaviors.
• Understand the performance expectations and responsibilities in college math courses.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the semester the successful student will be able to:

1. Find appropriate solutions for problems involving operations with:
• Whole numbers:
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation using whole numbers;
• Order of operations;
• Fractions:
• Equivalent fractions and reducing;
• Proper, improper and mixed numbers;
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of all forms of fractions;
• Ratios and proportions, rates of change, areas and perimeters of geometric figures
• Percents:
• Definition of percent and converting among percents, fractions, and decimals
• Finding a percent of a number
• Application problems;
• Measurement:
• Linear (length, height, perimeter, radius, diameter, circumference);
• Area (squares, rectangles, triangles, complex shapes);
• Volume (rectangular prisms);
• Signed numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division;
• Application problems integrated throughout the course content.
2. Accomplish the learning skills necessary for academic success by keeping a journal and a daily planner to document practice of the following activities:
• Take notes from class lectures, videos, internet sites, and other sources of information;
• Plan and accomplish routine study periods necessary to meet the needs of the class;
• Prepare for tests practicing the recommended methods for study and review;
• Take tests practicing the recommended methods for analysis and estimation;
• Reduce anxiety by practicing stress-reducing activities;
• Monitor progress by regular consultation with instructor and peers.
3. Determine and set realistic goals and develop plans of action to achieve them.
• Set priorities by analyzing major goals and environmental considerations;
• Set and meet deadlines;
• Use time effectively.
4. Use outside resources to enhance content of the course:
• Use information from news, advertisements, public information resources;
• Utilize library and internet resources to find information.