COURSE TITLE: Math in the Secondary School

COURSE NUMBER: MATH 607

SEMESTER: Spring 2001

REFERENCE NUMBER: 3440

TIME AND ROOM: T 7-9:45, G217

PREREQUISITE: None

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Deborah Bennett

OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday 2-3, 4-6, Thursday 2-4

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (201) 200–2201

E-MAIL ADDRESS: dbennett@njcu.edu

OFFICE: Grossnickle 227

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for mathematics majors who wish to specialize in teaching mathematics in the secondary school. Special attention is given to problems of teaching and to development of the curriculum of secondary school. Topics includes basic approach to teaching elementary algebra; formal and informal geometry statue of general mathematics; senior (12th grade) mathematics; current literature on the teaching of mathematics. The basic methods and techniques for the teaching of mathematics in the secondary school will be presented with an emphasis on structure and meaning. (3 credits)

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be provided an environment for mathematical problem solving, learning about teaching, and learning about learning.
2. Students will focus on solving and teaching algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus problems such as those found in the secondary school.
3. Students will explore classroom initiatives based on the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Mathematics that will prepare all secondary students for the HSPT/HSPA.
4. Students will develop models for open-ended questions to enable their secondary students to communicate mathematically.
5. Students will develop models for questions requiring the use of the graphics calculator.

RESOURCES: Mathematical Discovery: On Understanding, Learning and Teaching Problem Solving by George Polya, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1962. ON RESERVE IN THE LIRARY.

Preparing for HSPA Mathematics Coach by Merv Edwards, Educational Design, Inc., 2000.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A variety of instructional formats (small group work, individual explorations, discussion, critique, and problem presentation) will be utilized. Since much of the work will be done in class, attendance is of the utmost importance.

COURSE CALENDAR/DEADLINE DATES: FINAL EXAM Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m.

EVALUATIONS AND GRADING: Grades will be based on homework problems (5 sets at 10 points each), reaction papers (extra credit), class participation (15 classes at 2 points each—1 point if late), problem presentations (5 assignments at 20 points each) and a final exam (20 points).
 
 

Last revised  1/21/2001
Copyright 1999