Mathematics in Elementary Education II

Catalog description

Survey of content, pedagogy, and psychology of mathematics instruction relating to rational numbers, algebraic thinking and functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability for fourth through eighth grades. The course will provide candidates with the opportunity to explore and develop research-based practices needed to teach elementary mathematics in alignment with national and state content standards. This course will focus on the big ideas and learning trajectories associated with the mathematical content strands of rational numbers, algebraic thinking and functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability across grades fourth through eight. Course content will also focus on curriculum materials and considerations, planning effective lessons, pedagogical practices, and assessment of students' knowledge related to these mathematical content areas. The course will also emphasize the use of manipulatives and technology to represent the essential understandings needed to help students make sense of mathematical operations and make mathematical connections. Throughout the course, teacher candidates will engage in mathematical tasks and mathematical discussions, and observe videos of elementary mathematics classes to explore the focus, coherence, and rigor needed across 4- 8 grade levels relative to the above content strands. They will also learn about various formative and summative assessments strategies to identify students' lack of knowledge or misconceptions and learn various intervention strategies to clarify students' understanding. The course will also emphasize instructional approaches designed to help students develop the mathematical behaviors associated with the Common Core Mathematical Practices across grade levels.