EDUCATION 355

Text: Heddens, J. and Speer, W., (1997). Today's Mathematics, Part 1: Concepts and Classroom Methods and Today's Mathematics, Part 2: Activities and Instructional Ideas. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.

Catalogue description: Students learn current trends and strategies in teaching elementary math, including content, methodology and appropriate materials. Implementation of teaching strategies is achieved in practicum experiences of 40 hours.

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.

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.

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.

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

Assignment

Points

Algorithm Assignment

Inquiry Project

Lesson Plans

Mid-term project - case study

Assessment activity

Develop a math file

Practicum teaching

Participation

98 - 100 A+

94 - 97 A

90 - 93 A-

88 - 89 B+

84 - 87 B

80 - 83 B-

78 - 79 C+

74 - 77 C

70 - 73 C-

68 - 69 D+

64 - 67 D

60 - 63 D-

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.

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.

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.

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.

Number	Department Outcome	Measure
1.4	Know curricular content of mathematics.	Discussion Class activities Lesson plans Practicum teaching
1.3	Recognize learning theories, varied levels of thinking, questioning, and problem solving strategies used in teaching math.	Discussion Lesson Plans
1.5	Evidence a comprehensive knowledge of varied students, cultures, and gender differences.	Discussion
1.6	Know components of effective planning and instruction of mathematics.	Lesson plans Practicum teaching
1.7	Identify assessment and evaluation procedures and strategies in mathematics teaching and learning.	Assessment project Lesson plans

2.1

2.2

2.3

Create effective plans for curricular development that present student outcomes based on appropriate curricula identified to meet the needs of learners.

Lesson Plans

Resource File

3.1 - 3.92

Demonstrate skills in planning, presenting, and implementing effective materials and activities in mathematics and technology in SMART Lab.

Lesson Plans

Observations

Written reflections

Resource File

4.1 - 4.4

Organize and manage classrooms learning environments to optimize engaged time, organize and manage learning groups, respond productively to student behaviors, and affirm and support student sin learning efforts.

Observations/ SMART

Reflections

5.4

6.4

Contact parent/guardian of Girls, Incorporated participants that student is responsible for in lab.

Phone Script

5.2

Chart participation of Girls Incorporated enrollees in lab activities.

Surveys

3.31 - 3.33

Assess and evaluate procedures used in presenting mathematics activities.

Lesson Plans

Units

Written reflections

Partner evaluations

7.1

7.5

Exhibit interest in self-improvement by actively seeking and responding to constructive criticism and thoughtful reflections.

Observations

Written reflections

7.2

Demonstrate responsibility in attendance and punctuality.

Attendance records

Lesson plans completed 1 week before teaching