Spanish-American Institute

402 Electronic Calculators 48 Classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Mildred K. Polisky, Solving Business Problems Using a Calculator, Glencoe McGraw Hill, 1997 (or comparable text).

Course Description: While developing English language skills, this course introduces students to using the calculator to solve simulated business and workplace tasks.

Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able:

• to better understand written directions in English;
• to demonstrate knowledge of common English language business terminology related to everyday business and consumer problems such as payrolls, purchase orders, invoices, cash and trade discounts, checking accounts, installment buying, finance charges, etc.;
• to ask questions in English concerning concepts and implementation;
• to read and understand English language descriptions of business situations that will determine the correct production of calculator solutions;
• to learn how to convert to and from the metric system;
• to read, write, and show explanations about concepts; and
• to work at 119 wpm.

Instructional Methods: Classes include language development and theory sessions followed by hands-on practice and drills for speed and accuracy. Students will complete periodic summary exercises that require application of all skills learned to date. Each student will create a portfolio of finished output.

Grading: The final grade is based on the following:

Class Participation	25%
Assignments	50%
Exams and Quizzes	25%
Total	100%

The grading scale is: A=90-100%, B+=85-89%, B=80-84%, C+=75-79%, C=70-74%, D=65-69%, F=60-64%

Course Outline:

Week	Topics	Assignments and Tests
1	Introduction to the calculator; touch addition and subtraction of whole numbers and of dollars and cents; crossfooting. Developing a weekly vocabulary log with complete sentence definitions and illustrations. Vocabulary guidelines: write two complete sentences for each word, one that describes its meaning and one that gives an example of its use.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons-1-4. Vocabulary log: Begin a weekly vocabulary log, following guidelines provided by the instructor. Follow the directions for doing the demonstration problems in lessons 1-4. Do all practice exercises.
2	Rounding and estimating without a calculator; multiplication and division using the calculator.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 5-7. Demonstration problems in lessons 5-8. Do all practice exercises. Practice test 1 Read Business Calculator Applications problem 1. Using one or more complete sentences, respond to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem
3	Multiplying three or more factors; mixed operations; accumulative multiplication.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 8-11. Demonstration problems in lessons 9-11. Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 2. Quiz.
4	Negative multiplication; fractions and decimals; percents.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 12-14. Follow the directions for doing the demonstration problems Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 2. Read Business Calculator Applications problem 2. Respond in writing to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem.
5	Finding percentage, rate, and base; amounts and percents of increase or decrease; single and series discounts.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 15-18. Follow the directions for doing the demonstration problems Do all practice exercises.
6	Extending invoices and quantity pricing; auditing invoices.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 19-20. Demonstration problems. Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 3. Read Business Calculator Applications problem 3. Respond in writing to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem.
7	Markup and markdown; monthly and semimonthly payrolls; payrolls for hourly workers.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 21-24. Demonstration problems Do all practice exercises.
8	Commission payroll plans; investment in stocks and bonds; yields on investments.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 25-27. Demonstration problems Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 4. Read Business Calculator Applications problem 4. Respond in writing to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem. Test.
9	Yields on investments; selling price of stocks; interest and mortgage interest; installment buying.	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 28-31. Demonstration problems Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 5. Read Business Calculator Applications problem 5. Respond in writing to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem.
10	Prorating; measurement (international system of units, U.S. customary, and conversion).	Read the explanations and directions in lessons 32-34. Demonstration problems Do all practice exercises. Practice Test 6. Read Business Calculator Applications problem 6. Using one or more complete sentences, respond to each of the 8 questions at the end of the problem Quiz.

rev. 2/04