MTThF 8:00 - 8:50
Collins 217
Course Goals are to:1. Provide a broad mathematical background for prospective teachers of elementary and middle school math.
2. Instill a positive attitude and understanding of mathematics which can be transferred to future students.
Topics will include whole number, fraction, and decimal concepts, arithmetic operations and properties, topics from number theory, and geometric concepts, all with an overall emphasis on problem-solving.
Text: MATHEMATICS FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS, A Contemporary Approach by Musser, Burger, & Peterson
Content: Chapters 1 through 7 together with parts of Chapters 10 and 12.
Grading: Will be based on the following with the given point values.
Attendance (20 points) #Homework (40 points)
Journal (20 points) *
Chapter Exams (10 points each for a total of 90 - 110 points)
Portfolio (20 points) *
Field Experience (40 points) **
Final Exam (60 points) **
Total = 290 - 310 points# I will have to cancel some (three?) classes during the semester. You get to miss just as many others without penalty
* Level 1 mandatory - failure to complete these items on time will result in one full grade reduction.
** Level 2 mandatory - failure to complete this item will result in a failure in the course.
Journal: The journal is intended to help you and me to keep track of where you are and where you've been as the term progresses. Journal entries (one or two each week) should be on standard size notebook or computer paper. They will usually be due each Tuesday. You will only need to hand in those pages that have not been previously submitted, but you will need to keep all of your journal entries.
All papers need to be dated to keep the ongoing record of the semester. Individual entries will not receive a grade. Everyone starts with 20 points and points will be deducted for late or missing submissions and/or inadequate effort (after warning).
Some of your journal entries will be assigned to have specific content (see below) while most will have topics of your own choosing. You may write on other topics in addition to those assigned if you would like.
Specific topics:
Math Autobiography (Due September 5): This first paper should be a little longer (a full page or more) and will serve as your first journal entry..Describe your triumphs and disasters in math.Go back as far as you can remember.
What do you like about learning math?
What don't you like?
Mid-Semester Self-Assessment (due October17): of your mathematical growth
Field Experience: A description of your experience in a "real" classroom. In particular, you should discuss your feelings before, during, and after these experiences. Consider how your views of public school math teaching have been affected.
Great Moment in Math: A description of at least on "great mathematical moment." This is all about that AHA! moment. It may happen when you least expect it. This is when you suddenly make a connection, or some idea or concept that has eluded you becomes clear. Record this moment! You should have at least one of these this semester. If not, you'll need to write a paragraph or two explaining why you think the "great math moment" has eluded you.
End-of-Semester Self-Assessment (due with your portfolio on Dec 8)
Here are some suggestions for other journal topics. Of course, other than those specifically required above, you are free to discuss any topic related to the class.
· What did you learn from a class, activity, discussion, or assignment?· Describe any discoveries you make about math or yourself doing math.
· Describe the process you undertook to solve a problem.
· What confused you? Challenged you? What did you like? Not like?
Portfolio: Your portfolio is to be a showcase for your work, demonstrating your achievements. It should focus on the following items:
· Thinking and reasoning· Growth over time (Be sure to date all papers.)
· Mathematical connections
· Communicating mathematics
· Views of yourself as a mathematician
· The problem-solving process
Your portfolio will be due on Friday, December 8. It needs to be bound together in some type of binder, and should contain the following (in this order).
· Table of Contents· Introduction - A paragraph or two introducing your portfolio. (Assume someone who was unfamiliar with the course picked up your portfolio and began reading.)
· Math Autobiography (This was submitted earlier as a journal entry.)
· Your description of at least one "Great Mathematical Moment." (This was submitted earlier as a journal entry.)
· Mid-term Self-Assessment (This was submitted earlier as a journal entry.)
· Final Self-Assessment
· A paper of which you were particularly proud. Precede this with a paragraph or two explaining why you chose this work.
· A page or two summarizing your Field Experience.
· One to three other pieces of your work preceded by a paragraph or two about why you chose these particular pieces. (These could be journal entries.)
· Conclusion - Two or three paragraphs to provide a closing to your portfolio.
Field Experience: This will consist of 10 hours outside of class and in a Salem area public school classroom. You will be observing classes, talking with teachers and students, and possibly tutoring and/or teaching a short lesson.
Significant Dates:
Tuesday August 29 first day of class
Friday September 1 visit by Prof. Hamlin of MAT program
Monday September 4 Labor Day - no classes
Tuesday October 10 Prof. Hamlin on Field Experience
Friday October 20 Mid-Semester Day - no classes
Monday October 23 no class
Friday November 3 last day to drop
Thursday November 23 Thanksgiving Vacation begins
Friday December 8 last day of class
Friday December 15 Final Exam 8 - 11 am