MA353 METHODS AND MATERIALS IN THE TEACHING OF
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS (3 cr.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite:
Admission to the
methods phase of teacher education,
MA150
and MA151
(passing both classes with a C or better)
Course Description:
A course designed to acquaint prospective elementary teachers with contemporary
methods and materials employed in the teaching of mathematics in the elementary
school. Field experiences are required.
Goals/Purpose:
MA353 is required of all education majors. It focuses on the methods and
materials employed in the teaching of mathematics in the elementary school,
grades K-8. A 10- to 12-hour field experience for each student is arranged
with the local elementary schools.
The goal of MA353 is to prepare elementary
education majors to be successful teachers of elementary school mathematics.
The course is meant to help students see how the mathematical concepts and
theory they learned in the prerequisite courses provide a foundation for the
content taught in elementary school; and how the mathematics, together with
teaching objectives and learning theories, suggest different instructional
methodologies. Students who successfully complete MA353 will have an
overview of the elementary mathematics curriculum and will be familiar with a
variety of teaching methods. Moreover, they will learn enough about
research in mathematics education, about the role of technology in teaching, and
about controversial issues in teaching of mathematics to be knowledgeable and
contributing members of the teacher profession.
Through the various readings, discussions,
activities, and interactions with elementary school children, the students will
begin to build a philosophical foundation for the teaching of elementary school
mathematic.
Objectives of the Course:
The students will
- examine the changing emphasis of the
curriculum as described in current and relevant publications such as the
"Agenda for Action", and NCTM's "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for
School Mathematics" and "Principles and Standards for School
Mathematics".
- learn to use manipulatives and models
to help children develop mathematical concepts.
- understand the importance of problem
solving as a focal point in the elementary school mathematics
curriculum.
- learn to use an active, hands-on
approach in the teaching of geometry and measurement.
- utilize mental computation and
estimation.
- identify the role of calculators and
computers in the teaching of elementary school mathematics and use them
in their own learning.
- become aware of the need to involve
children in the higher order thinking skills.
- examine and participate in the
different modes of instruction.
- realize the characteristics of a
spiraled curriculum.
- identify teaching techniques that are
appropriate for elementary school mathematics and justify these choices
using learning theory and research.
- develop a repertoire of examples,
models, activities, and games for teaching elementary school
mathematics.
- learn a strategy approach to teaching
basic facts.
- become aware of the need for
professional involvement beyond the classroom.
- implement many of the above
objectives through field experiences.
Course Content Outline:
- Number Readiness
- Elementary Number Concepts
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication and Division
- Grouping and Place Value
- Algorithms
- Number Theory
- Fractions and Ratios
- Decimals and Percents
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Statistics and Probability
- Problem Solving
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CS255 MA150 MA151 MA250 MA251 MA350 MA351 MA353 MA354 |
