Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I

Math 350

Instructor: Dr. V Huse

Home: (903)586-3748.

If you can't reach me, leave a message on my voice mail OR better yet, send me and e-mail: huseve@yahoo.com

Text: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, by Tom Bassarear. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin.

Necessary Materials: A calculator - graphing is better

Course Content: We will cover chapters 1 - 5. The topics in these chapters involve problem solving, sets, basic number sense and arithmetic topics: number systems, whole numbers, integers, fractions, properties of numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. The goal of this course is NOT to make sure you know how to do the mathematics - you should already know that!! The goal of this course is to develop understanding of the mathematics. We are constantly going to be dealing with WHY more than HOW. As a future teacher you must be able to explain mathematics to your students, not just show them how to carry out mathematical procedures. We will focus on underlying structures and development of ideas. In addition, problem solving is a major component of this course. As a future mathematics teacher (ALL elementary school teachers are mathematics teachers!!), you need to become familiar with and skilled in various types of problem solving techniques that are commonly used in mathematical thinking.

Course Grading: Will be based on Special Projects, 3 In-class Exams, and a Comprehensive Final Exam. Some of the Special Projects will focus more on the teaching of mathematics in K-8 as it relates to the topics in this course than on helping you learn of the topics of this course. We give these assignments for two reasons. First of all, they help you to see the importance and relevance of this course to your future profession. Secondly, you need to become aware of the enormous changes that have occurred in the teaching of mathematics in elementary schools since you were in school as a child. In order to successfully mathematically prepare today's children for the technological world they face, an elementary school teacher must have a solid understanding of a broad spectrum of mathematics, including mathematics at a level considerably beyond the grade he/she teaches.

Research Project - 14%
Exam 1 - 14%
Exam 2 - 14%
Exam 3 - 14%
Oral Project - 14%
Final - 30%

Regarding Exams: This course is very topical rather than sequential in nature. In order for you to be successful as a future elementary teacher who will be teaching children mathematics, it is important that you demonstrate mastery in ALL of the topics taught in this course. Hence, in order to receive a C in the course you must score at least 70% on each of the three in class exams. If you do not score at least 70% the first time you take an exam, you will be given one opportunity outside of class to take a "retake" exam and improve your score. The highest score to be given if you take the retest is 70.

Gateway Quiz: In general, the in class exams will test problem solving skills and your conceptual understanding of mathematics. For instance, you will often be asked to explain mathematical ideas or work problems in more than one way. However, it also is important that you be proficient in some basic arithmetic skills. Hence, in order to even get a D in the course, you must score at least 90% on a basic skills quiz. You can take this quiz five times and it must be passed before the start of the fifth week of class. It will cover such things as arithmetic of signed numbers, arithmetic of decimals, arithmetic of fractions. You will not be allowed to use a calculator on this quiz. This test must be passed with 90%.

Attendance: Attendance is strongly encouraged for your own benefit. Any work missed due to your absence is your responsibility and should be made up as soon as possible. If you should miss a lecture, you should get a copy of someone's notes and then I will answer any questions you have over those notes. You will be dropped from the class if you have excessive absences.

Make-ups: The opportunity to take a make-up exam can only be expected if you contact the instructor either on or before the day of an exam, make reasonable arrangements at that time, and have an excused absence.

Cheating: Cheating of any kind will result in an F for the term. All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conductive to a positive learning environment.( See Student's Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct)

Students requesting accommodations for disabilities must go through the Academic Support Committee. For more information, please contact the Director of Disability Resources and Services, Halladay Student Services Bldg., Room 303D, 903-886-5835.