SEMINAR IN
MODERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS
Ma 608
Course Description
This course includes classroom
applications of the following ideas:
distinction between number and numeral structure in arithmetics; the use
of set ideas in understanding the fundamental operations in arithmetic; and a
modern approach to the solution of verbal problems, open sentences, number
families, patterns in arithmetic, geometry, and informal proofs.
Goals of the Course
1.
To provide a context for thinking about mathematics and mathematics
education.
2.
To emphasize the importance of problem solving and exploration in the
mathematics curriculum so that children are actively engaged in reflecting on
mathematical ideas.
3.
To cover in depth some important ideas in elementary mathematics.
4.
To instill the importance of communication and reasoning in the
mathematics curriculum.
5.
To provide an understanding into making connections among elementary
math topics
Instructional Procedures
This seminar is designed to develop an
appreciation and understanding of modern elementary school mathematics. Based on the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics Standards for Curriculum and Evaluation, the course covers a
variety of current issues such as cooperative learning, writing, manipulatives,
and assessment in mathematics. The
seminar is conducted so that it provides a model for the teaching process and includes
concepts of problem solving, estimation, logic, communication, and the use of
technology. Students will research and
discuss mathematical ideas.
Course Content
Some of the following topics (covered in depth):
1.
Numeration systems.
2.
Whole numbers.
3.
Decimals.
4.
Fractions.
5.
Estimation and mental math.
6.
Measurement and size.
7.
Geometry.
8.
Probability and statistics.
9.
Assessment.
Evaluation Measures
1.
Class participation.
2.
Preparation of research assignments.
3.
Final project.
Bibliography
A.
Required Text
Elementary School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, 2d ed., by John A. Van de Walle,
Longman Publishing Group,
About Teaching Mathematics: A K-8 Resource by Marilyn Burns, Cuisenaire Company of
B.
Additional Required
Standards for
Curriculum and Evaluation
by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Addenda Series: Grades K-6, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Subject-Matter Books: Grades K-6, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Making Sense of Data
Number Sense and Operations
Patterns
C. Supporting Bibliography
Curcio, Frances R., Developing Graph
Comprehension: Elementary and Middle
School Activities, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Payne, Joseph N., ed., Mathematics for
the Young Child, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Reys, Barbara J., et al., Developing
Number Sense in the Middle Grades:
Addenda Series, Grades 5-8, National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics,
Thiessen, Diane, Margaret Matthias, and
Jacquelin Smith, The Wonderful World of Mathematics: A Critically Annotated List of Children’s
Books in Mathematics, 2d ed., National Council of Teachers of Mathematics,
Reston, VA, 1998.
Welchman-Tischler, Rosamond, How to
Use Children’s Literature to Teach Mathematics, National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics, Reston, VA, 1992.
D.
Relevant Periodical Sources
“Algebraic Thinking,”
focus issue of Teaching Children Mathematics, February 1997.
“Communication,” focus
issue of Teaching Children Mathematics, February 1995.
Elementary Mathematician, Consortium of Mathematics and Its
Application (COMAP).
Teaching Children Mathematics (formerly Arithmetic Teacher),
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
E. Other Resources
Videos
Mathematics: What are you teaching my child? featuring Marilyn Burns, Scholastic, Inc.*
Mathematics with Manipulatives Series:*
Pattern Blocks
Cuisenaire Rods
Base Ten Blocks
Geoboards
Color Tiles
Six Models
Mathematics: Teaching for understanding. Cuisenaire Company of
Software
Math Shop Jr.*
Math Shop*
Weights and Measures*
Fractions and Decimals*
LOGO turtle geometry*
Manipulatives
Geoboards*
Mira Math*
Algeblocks*
Instructor's Cuisenaire
Manipulatives Set and resource book*