S490 #6629 Mathematics Education Linked Course for M447                    Fall 2003

Instructor: Dale Nowlin, Columbus North High School

Time: 7-8:30pm Alternate Mondays Beginning September 15.      Room: School of Education 4204

1 Credit: Credit/No Credit

 

Texts

There are no required texts for this course, although we will make use of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards and Indiana’s Curriculum Standards.  You probably have copies of these from other courses, but they are also available online.

 

Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to help you make connections between the mathematical content of M447 and the teaching and learning of secondary school mathematics.  Additionally, this course will enable you to prepare and collect mathematical modeling lesson plans for use during student teaching and as you begin your teaching career.  By discussing mathematics modeling and mathematics pedagogy, you will also become more conversant with, and able to apply important concepts in the teaching of mathematics, (e.g., standards, curriculum planning, lesson design, open-ended problem solving, technology, assessment, and student-centered learning).

 

Class Dynamics

Much of each class session will be spent trying out various modeling contexts and projects appropriate to the secondary school mathematics curriculum.  Some classes will be preceded by short reading assignments, and later by lesson planning that you do on your own.  You will get as much out of this class as you put into it—in particular by asking questions, sharing your ideas, and thoughtfully discussing the experiences and ideas raised during class.  This is a participatory discussion-based class and not a lecture—so come prepared to engage.

 

Assignments

o  Readings and occasional written reflections

o  Design of 2-3 (depending on length) lesson plans driven by mathematical modeling; one of these will be a group project tied to your M447 modeling project and one or two will be lessons you prepare individually

o  Middle school or high school visits to observe modeling activities

o  Optional participation in weekend workshops with secondary school teachers (Oct. and Dec.)

 

Schedule

Sept. 15            Review of the modeling process.            Linear models (MS and Algebra 1)

Sept. 29            Curriculum standards and modeling.        Non-linear models (Algebra 2 & Pre-calculus)

Oct. 3-4           Weekend Workshop with Math Teachers: Free Food & Networking

Oct. 13             Lesson planning and design.                   Geometric models (MS and Geometry)

Oct. 27             Assessment                                          Modeling with technology – CBL/CBR

Nov. 10            Student presentation of lesson drafts       Various topics

Nov. 24            Student presentation of lesson drafts       Various topics

Dec. 5-6           Weekend Workshop with Math Teachers: Free Food & Networking

Dec. 8              Presentation of group lesson plans          Topics from M447