Concepts Underlying Arithmetic

Catalog description

This course is designed for the prospective elementary school teacher, and emphasis is on developing a deep understanding of the mathematical ideas necessary for superb teaching of elementary school mathematics. Communication of these ideas through appropriate language and the use of diagrams, patterns, and everyday objects is a critical feature of the class. Students are expected to work in cooperative groups during class, and to make presentations on a regular basis. Topics include number sense, representations of numbers, number systems, creating and analyzing algorithms for arithmetic operations, proportional reasoning, problem solving, algebraic thinking, and current California state math standards. Issues of access and pedagogy are addressed both individually and in the context of the mathematical ideas. This course does not satisfy the Core 21 Mathematical Reasoning Requirement. Prerequisites: Math 110 or a Math SAT of 540 or above.