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Course
Description
The
purpose of this course is to increase preservice teachers'
understanding and appreciation of elementary school
mathematics; to build their awareness of elementary school
children's mathematical thinking, learning, development, and
diversity; to help preservice teachers' develop effective
strategies and techniques for planning, teaching, assessing,
and adapting mathematics instruction; and to engage
preservice teachers' in reflection on current practices and
issues in mathematics education. In line with NCTM's
Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and
the Mathematics
Content Standards for Arizona Public
Schools,
the mathematical content addressed in this course will
include number and operations, algebra, geometry,
measurement, data analysis, and probability. The ways of
acquiring and using content knowledge will involve the
processes problem solving, reasoning and proof,
communication, connections, and representations.
Professional issues will address the overarching themes:
equity, curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment, and
technology.
Course
Goals
The
general goals for the class are based on the Professional
Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 1991). They
include:
1.
Knowing Principles for School Mathematics. The
students will have knowledge of the principles (equity,
curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment, and technology)
of high-quality school mathematics programs.
2.
Knowing Mathematics. The students will have knowledge
of the content and discourse of mathematics, including:
mathematical concepts and procedures; multiple
representations of mathematical concepts and procedures; and
ways to reason mathematically, solve problems, and
communicate mathematics effectively at different levels of
formality; and, in addition, a sound perspective on the
nature of mathematics, the changing nature of school
mathematics, its relationships to other school subjects, and
its applications in society.
3.
Knowing Students as Learners of Mathematics. The
students will have knowledge of current research on how
students learn mathematics and ways to affirm and support
participation and continued study of mathematics by all
students.
4.
Knowing Mathematical Pedagogy. The students will have
knowledge of and ability to use and evaluate: instructional
materials and resources; ways to represent mathematical
concepts and procedures; instructional strategies and
classroom organizational models; ways to promote discourse
and foster a sense of a mathematical community; and means
for assessing student understanding of
mathematics.
5.
Developing as a Teacher of Mathematics. The students
will have opportunities to examine and revise their
assumptions about the nature of mathematics as well as how
it should be taught and how it should be learned.
Course
Requirements
Reading:
You are expected to do the assigned reading for each
class and be ready to discuss it in class. Your
participation is needed to enrich the class
discussions.
Math Journal:
You are expected to make journal entries each day on
assigned readings or math activities. Guidelines are
provided separately.
Lesson Plan:
You are expected to prepare and present to the class one
problem solving lesson plan. Detailed guidelines are
provided separately.
Exams: A
mid-term and a final exam will be given. The exams will
cover material from the readings, class lectures,
discussions, and activities.
Math Competency
Test: To earn an A in the class, you must score at least
80% on a math competency test. Review exercises will be
provided.
Mathematics
Literature Critique: You will select one children's
literature books that will be used in your lesson and
complete the Children's Literature Report for the book. You
will also give an oral report on the book.
Discussions/Classwork/Attendance:
You are expected to attend all classes, be on time, and
participate responsibly and thoughtfully in class
discussions and activities. You may miss one class but each
additional absence will result in a 5% reduction in your
grade. Also, excessive tardiness will count as absences.
Attendance and participation levels will be
recorded.
Accommodation:
If you have a disability that requires accommodations in
this class, you must notify the instructor regarding the
nature of the accommodations you need.
Evaluation
Method
Weighted
Grading: Your grades for the assignments and activities
will be weighted in the following manner:
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