TEACHING MATHEMATICS: ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
Spring 2007

3:15 - 4:30 T, TH and 4:30 - 5:45 Operation SMART
Adm 256 or Designated Computer Lab

Required Text/Materials: Hands-On Teaching Strategies for Using Math Manipulatives--Grades K-6 Kit including Teacher's Resource Binder . Grades K-6. By Dr. Carol Thornton & Gail Lowe-Parrino
Supplemental Texts:  
 Heddens, J. and Speer, W., (2001).  Today's Mathematics, Part 1:  Concepts and Classroom Methods  Today's Mathematics, Part 2:  Activities and Instructional Ideas:  Wiley & Sons.
Stenmark, Thompson, & Cossey. (1986)., Family Math:  Regents, University of California.
Van de Walle, J., (1998).  Elementary and Middle School Mathematics:  Addison Wesley.
Muschla, G., & Muschla, J., (1996).  Hands-On Math Projects with Real-Live Applications:  Center for Applied Research in Education.

Materials:
Print Nebraska State Teaching Standards from Internet
Purchase a three-ring binder (minimum 2 inches)
File container

Course Description:
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.

Objectives:

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.

4.  Effectively use methods and materials to teach mathematical concepts.

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.

7.   Incorporate a multi-cultural focus in the math curriculum.

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

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Grades are based on a point system, but failure to submit any single assignment will result in a reduction of one letter grade on final evaluation.

 GRADES

Important Information

Professional Presentation:
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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Instructor will make changes in the syllabus when needed to best meet the needs of students.

 Laptop Use

Laptop use in classrooms creates new and exciting possibilities for teachers and students when used appropriately.  Please use your laptop ethically and for educational purposes and activities permitted by the instructor.  Unacceptable uses include: instant messaging, e-mailing, unassigned Internet browsing, game-playing and completing homework for other classes.  Violations of this request will result in withdrawal of permission to use the laptop in this class and may affect your grade in the course.

 Special Accommodations

If you have a certifiable learning or physical disability and require special accommodations, please call and make an appointment with the disabilities coordinator in the Achievement Center ADA office at 399-2366. Considerable lead-time is required for accommodations, so it is important that your request is received in the Achievement Center ADA office as early in the semester as possible. Please note: your request will be handled confidentially.

 Policy for Academic Honesty

Plagiarism, defined as the use of another’s words and ideas as one’s own, does not benefit students.  It creates dependencies that are non-productive.  References must be cited and quotation marks used in direct quotes.  Crediting authors with ideas in paraphrasing and rearranging is effective writing.  Academic dishonesty includes cheating on exams or quizzes, representing someone else’s work as your own work or working jointly on a project that is expected to represent only one student’s original and individual work.  

 Evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty in all institutions carries serious consequences, such as loss of grade and standing.  These are serious offenses and will not be tolerated.  If a student is guilty of academic dishonesty, it is noted in the student information data base and becomes a part of her academic record and is available to advisors and faculty. The complete Academic Honesty Policy is available on the Teacher Education website and in the Teacher Education Handbook.

Declaration of Open Discourse

In the spirit of intellectual inquiry, College of Saint Mary is committed to the exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.   In this environment, honest discourse is valued; demeaning remarks are not tolerated.  Each member of the campus community is encouraged to:

• Recognize the basis of her or his own assumptions and perspectives,

• Acknowledge the assumptions and perspectives of others,

• Promote understanding and respectful dissent.

Classroom Behavior

Please arrive on time and practice courteous behavior in the classroom.  Please do not engage in conversations while someone else is talking or otherwise disrupt class lecture, discussions or activities.  Cell phone ringers should be turned off to avoid disruptions and verbal or text communications should not occur during class.

 Students should come to class ready to be actively engaged in learning.  This includes bringing assigned books and articles, writing materials and notebooks . Class assignments MUST be submitted on the due date indicated on the course syllabus.  Late assignments WILL NOT be graded.  Exceptions to this policy will be rare and will be handled on an individual basis.

 Courtesy, good time management and collaborative skills are important to success in the work world and should be practiced in the classroom as well.  You will be expected to participate in small group activities and be an active team member when working with other students in class.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE