MA350 METHODS AND MATERIALS IN TEACHING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS (3 Cr.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite
Admission to the methods phase of teacher education, MA312 and MA331.  ED349 should be taken concurrently or have been completed already.

Offered:  Fall

Introduction
A course designed to acquaint prospective secondary teachers with contemporary methods and materials employed in the teaching of mathematics in the secondary school.  Field experiences are required.

This course is designed to prepare prospective secondary mathematics teachers to teach in grades 9-12 and to continue to grow professionally after they graduate.  A philosophy of mathematics education is developed and the issues of the profession are examined.  Teaching strategies and assessment related to the major topics and themes found in the 9-12 school mathematics curriculum are stressed.  Field experiences that include classroom presentations are required.   A collection of examples and materials is developed and sources of professional growth are introduced.

Objectives

1. Students should be familiar with issues and curricular problems in school mathematics

2. Students should understand the scope and sequence of topics in 7-12 school mathematics

3. Students should use a variety of teaching strategies for mathematical topics in grades 7-12.  This includes the use of supplementary materials and technology to enhance teaching and learning

4. Students should develop a philosophy of teaching mathematics for 7-12

5. Students should develop skills in short and long range planning for teaching grades 7-12

6. Students should understand the problems related to teaching students with special needs (low achievers and the talented) and be prepared to meet the needs of these students

7. Students should use hard copy and electronic sources to find ideas to enhance teaching and learning

8. Students should know a variety of ways to access the learning of mathematics and to apply appropriate remediation.

Course Content

1. An introduction to the major issues in mathematics education

   1. Women and minorities in mathematics: opportunity for all?

   2. Problems in the teaching and learning of mathematics

   3. The role of technology in mathematics education

2. The mathematics curriculum

   1. Present goals, concepts, and skills of 7-12 mathematics

   2. Changes recommended   ie. NCTM STANDARDS 2000; MICHIGAN FRAMEWORKS

   3. MI-CLIMB

3. Lesson and unit planning

   1. Goals and objectives

   2. Short and long range planning

   3. Teaching strategies

   4. Materials, technology, and resources

   5. Classroom management

4. Assessment and Evaluation

   1. Assessment in the classroom

   2. Academic progress and grades

   3. State and national testing

5. Students with special needs

   1. Problems of the low achievers and related teaching techniques

   2. Talented students in an accelerated program or in a regular classroom

6. Professional growth

   1. Literature and electronic resources

   2. Professional organizations

   3. Conferences and workshops

Course materials

1. A mini-subscription to the Mathematics Teacher (NCTM) is required.

2. Assigned readings from numerous paper and electronic sources will be made throughout the course to supplement class activities.

3. A graphing calculator is required

4. Educational materials will be analyzed and purchased.

5. Attendance at the fall conference of the Seaborg Center is required.

Course Activities and Evaluation

1. Written assignments

2. Lesson plans

3. Peer teaching

4. Class participation

5. A final exam that has students teach a lesson to peers

6. Satisfactory completion of a field experience with classroom teaching