This course is designed for students who are preparing to teach mathematics in secondary school.  An awareness of the materials and technology available to aid them in teaching, what teaching techniques can be used, how to organize unit/segments of study, and various special problems of the field will be discussed.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Peer-Review Discussions (5)

The student will participate in 5 Peer-Review Discussions. Peer-Review Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to upload article reports and an abstract according to the instructions provided in the course. In addition to the article reports, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. 

Notes From Textbook Reading Assignments (8)

Each module, you will turn in hand written vocabulary notes of terms you encounter while reading the assigned textbook reading which are new to you.  You will also take notes on important topics/concepts covered in the assigned reading.

Lesson Plan Assignment

Prepare a lesson from an area of mathematics which you would hope to teach someday.  Use a lesson plan template from one of your education courses or another source such as the Lesson Plan Template provided. Include supporting material such as slides of problems, copy of textbook problems, handouts for any activities students will be using as part of your lesson.

Technology Lesson Plan Assignment

Create a lesson plan and produce a 15 minute video that shows your proficiency with at least two of the following technologies: graphing utilities, dynamic software, spreadsheets, and virtual manipulatives. Software may include but is not limited to the following: MatLab, Desmos, Geogebra, LaTex.

Use a lesson plan template from one of your education courses or another source such as the Lesson Plan Template provided. Include supporting material such as slides of problems, copy of textbook problems, handouts for any activities students will be using as part of your lesson.

Term Paper Draft Assignments (3)

You will submit drafts of portions of your final term paper three times during the term. The purpose of this assignment is to give you early feedback on selected portions of your term paper and give you guidance and direction as you craft your final term paper submission.

Unit Lesson Plan Assignment

Using a typical secondary mathematics text, prepare lessons for a unit/segment of study (at least 4 lessons on a different topic than either of the first two you have already planned). The following features must be included in at least one of the lessons:

• PowerPoint
• Graphing Calculator
• Problem Solving
• Varied activities for diverse learners

Term Paper: Final Assignment

Submit a term paper that addresses the following 6 parts.  Use current edition APA format. References are to be included to support each of the ideas you discuss.

1. Describe some of the different theories of learning and how they relate to learning mathematics.  Make sure to discuss the pros and cons of the different theories/methods.
2. Relate the learning of mathematics to the learning processes of pupils of different sexes, races, ethnic backgrounds, languages, geographic origins, and living conditions.
3. Discuss means (three or more) of evaluating/assessing the mathematical knowledge of pupils.  Must consider both testing and non-testing techniques and include the incorporation of writing in student assessment.
4. Discuss methods for diagnosing student errors and remedying common deficiencies in the learning of mathematics.
5. Express your personal philosophy of teaching mathematics.  How does it relate to philosophies of some well-known educators and mathematics educations of the past/present?
6. Discuss some of the views and importance of diversity, problem solving, technology and using physical and visual materials in the classroom.  In addition discuss your choice of two other topics from the list given with the “outside reading” assignment that have not already been addressed.

Unit Test Assignment

Prepare a unit/segment test on the unit/segment you planed earlier in the term. At least 25% of the test questions should be of a type that would be graded with a rubric (not just a single number answer).

Rubric/Answer Key Assignment

Prepare grading rubric(s) and your answer key for the unit/segment test you created in the Unit Test Assignment.