TEACHING MATHEMATICS: ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Merryellen Towey Schulz
Office - Adm 289
Office Hours - 2:00 - 3:00 T & Th or by appointment
Phone - 399-2432 (office)  558-0789 (home)
Email - mschulz@csm.edu
Web Site - http://drmts.tripod.com
3:00 - 4:15 T, TH and 4:30 - 5:45 SMART Lab
Adm 247 or Designated Computer Lab

Text:  Heddens, J. and Speer, W., (2001).  Today's Mathematics, Part 1:  Concepts and Classroom Methods  
Today's Mathematics, Part 2:  Activities and Instructional Ideas:  Wiley & Sons.
Supplemental Texts:  
Stenmark, Thompson, & Cossey. (1986)., Family Math:  Regents, University of California.
Van de Walle, J., (1998).  Elementary and Middle School Mathematics:  Addison Wesley.
Muschla, G., & Muschla, J., (1996).  Hands-On Math Projects with Real-Live Applications:  Center for Applied Research in Education.

Materials:
Print Nebraska State Teaching Standards from Internet
Purchase a three-ring binder (minimum 2 inches)
File container

Purpose of the course:
In this course we will explore the teaching of mathematics, investigating both what and how to teach it.  The course is designed to expose you to the philosophies and methods of mathematics and mathematics teaching at the elementary and middle elementary school levels.  It is assumed that you already know the mathematics involved in elementary/middle school education.  You will be provided with various opportunities to apply your learning through in-class and practicum experiences.  You will learn the use and application of technology in your mathematics teaching.

Objectives:

1.  Review, extend, reinforce, and enrich your background in basic mathematical concepts.

2.  Examine beliefs and knowledge about the goals and content of elementary school mathematics including becoming familiar with and learning to address the NCTM curriculum and evaluation standards and the Nebraska State Teaching Standards.

3.  Learn to select methods and curricular materials (textbooks, manipulatives, computer technology, calculators) which are appropriate for teaching mathematics to children in elementary and middle schools.

4. Effectively use methods and materials to teach mathematical concepts.

5.  Become familiar with current assessment, prescription, and implementation, procedures for evaluating children's mathematical thinking and competency.

6.     Learn to build a learning environment that supports the teaching and learning of mathematics.

7.   Incorporate a multi-cultural focus in the math curriculum.

8.   Develop an understanding of the importance of mathematical discourse for students to learn to communicate their reasoning and make sense of mathematical concepts.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 GRADES

Presentation:
Strong communication skills are essential for all education students.  The quality of your written and oral expression will be included in the evaluation of your work, including grammar, form, spelling, and neatness.  Cite your sources.  Complete bibliographic references are expected where appropriate.

Attendance:
Your active participation in each class session is vital to your learning as well as to the learning of the other students in the course.  You must come prepared and ready to be engaged as an active, collaborative participant.  

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
College of Saint Mary seeks to maintain a supportive academic environment for students with disabilities.  To ensure their equal access to all educational programs, activities and services, Federal law requires that students with disabilities notify the University, provide documentation, and request reasonable accommodations. If you need accommodations in this course, please notify me so that I can verify that the required documentation is filed with the Academic Affairs Office and that your accommodation plan is in place.

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is one of the basic principles of a college community.  College of Saint Mary encourages and expects the highest standards of academic honesty from all students.  Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. 

 email Dr. Schulz