Math 406B: Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School
Course Description
This course is part of the secondary teaching option for a mathematics major at the University of Arizona. It is designed to provide students with knowledge and experience to enable them to become effective secondary mathematics teachers. Emphasis will be on modes of instruction, problem solving, use of technology, assessment, and national standards. Special attention will be given to the teaching of geometry, algebra, statistics, and discrete mathematics.
Meeting Place and Time
Math East, Room 143
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m.
Practicum sites and times to be arranged
Virginia Horak Office Hours: Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. 11:50 a.m.
Office: Math 522 Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. 2:50 p.m.
Phone: 626-5987 Thursday, 1:00 p.m. 1:50 p.m.
horak@math.arizona.edu Or by appointment
Cangelosi, James S. (2002). Teaching Mathematics in Secondary and Middle School, An Interactive Approach, 3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education/Merrill/Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-095013-1
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM). Reston, VA: NCTM. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Website: www.nctm.org
Arizona Department of Education, State Standards for Mathematics: www.ade.state.az.us/standards/math/default.asp
www.ade.state.az.us/standards/AIMS/blueprints/HSMathchart.pdf
Tucson Unified School District:
www.tusd.k12.az.us, clink on link to Department of Professional Development
Cooney, Brown, Dossey, Schrage and Wittmann (1996). Mathematics, Pedagogy, and Secondary Teacher Education. Portsmouth, NM: Heinemann Press.
1. Students will be able to name, describe, identify, and use different modes of instruction and know when each might be appropriate.
2. Students will be able to develop lessons and lesson plans for the different modes of instruction.
3. Students will understand, appreciate, and be able to integrate the use of computers and calculators into the secondary mathematics curriculum.
4. Students will appreciate the importance of problem solving in the mathematics curriculum, and will be able to integrate it into all content area topics.
5. Students will be able to give the characteristics of informal geometry instruction and develop informal geometry lessons appropriate for the junior high or senior high level.
6. Students will know and be able to develop a variety of means of evaluating student learning.
7. Students will know and understand the rationale for new and expanded topics for the
middle and high school curricula being recommended by mathematics educators.
Attendance: Class participation is very important. Thus, attendance and punctuality will affect your final grade. More than one absence can cause your grade to be lowered or cause you to be dropped from the course.
Assignments: Homework assignments are due at the beginning of each class session the day they are due. In general, no late homework will be accepted for full credit.
Exams: There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. Everyone is expected to take the exams at the scheduled times. There will be no exceptions.
Tentative Class Schedule
Week of Readings from Text
Aug. 25: Course
Overview, PSSM & Current Trends pp. 1 - 49
Sept. 1: Problem Solving; Conceptual/Procedural Knowledge pp. 138-160
Student reports on journal articles to
class on Sept. 4
Sept. 8: Modes of Instruction pp. 50-87
Sept. 15: Teaching
Middle School Mathematics pp. 366-374
Sept 22: Teaching Algebra pp. 207-228
Sept. 29: Teaching Algebra, continued pp. 375-400
Student reports on Issues papers on
Oct. 2
Oct. 6: Planning for Instruction pp. 130-171
Oct. 13: Teaching Geometry pp. 172-192
MIDTERM EXAM on October 16
Oct. 20: Teaching Geometry, continued pp. 192-206, 401-405
Oct. 27: Assessment and Evaluation pp. 277-331
Algebra lesson plan assignment due Oct.
30
Nov 3: Teaching with Technology pp. 332-357
Geometry lesson plan assignment due Nov. 6
Nov. 10: Teaching Data Analysis pp. 358-365
(No class on 11/11)
Nov. 17: Teaching Probability and Topics of Discrete Mathematics pp. 254-276
Student reports on Internet sites to
class on Nov. 18
Nov. 24: Promoting Discourse in the Classroom pp. 229-253
(No
class on 11/27)
Dec. 1: Classroom Management, etc. pp. 88-129
Dec. 8: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Final Exam Week: Final Exam, Dec. 18, 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Algebra Lesson Plan 50 pts
Geometry Lesson Plan 50 pts
Paper examining an issue in mathematics education 60 pts
Review of article in MT or MTMS, and ON-Math 60 pts (30 pts ea)
Reading assignments and brief reaction papers (3) 60 pts (20 pts ea)
Mid-term exam 100 pts
Final exam 120 pts
Class participation 50 pts
Practicum Reports (10 points each) 150 pts
Total 700 pts
630 700 points A
560 629 points B
490 559 points C
420 489 points D
< 419 points E
ุ A journal of each weekly classroom visit with reflection of the classroom activities, questions/issues that arise, etc.
ุ A report on your involvements in the classroom. These involvements may include some, but not all of the following:
Tutor one or more students for several weeks
Collect and/or distribute homework assignments
Grade homework assignments
Go over homework assignments with class
Take attendance
Work with a small group of students
Present a brief lesson/activity to the class
Attend a faculty meeting (with permission)
Interview a mathematics teacher
Attend an IEP meeting on a student (with permission)
Attend other classes of a student
Things to remember for your practicum visits:
1. Sign in at school according to school procedures
2. Introduce yourself to teacher. Swap phone numbers and e-mail addresses
3. Notify practicum teacher if you cannot make it to the classes on the day you are scheduled. Reschedule.
4. Ensure that you dress appropriately
5. Have observation sheet signed and dated by teacher each visit.
6. Use appropriate language register
7. If documents are needed from teacher, please request in writing at least one week ahead of the time they are needed.
8. On your first visit to the school, get the bell schedule, a map of campus, the school calendar, and list of manipulatives/technology available
9. Wear your nametag on every visit