Math & Technology PK4 w/Field

Catalog description

Ultimately, the goal of this course is to prepare teachers or teaching candidates who have the knowledge, skills, and orientation to help young children develop their mathematical foundation. The concept of Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Mathematics provides the theoretical framework for the course structure and orientation. This means that students who successfully complete the course will have a thorough knowledge of the mathematics central to PK4; an understanding of how children at these stages learn mathematics; and the ability to coordinate content and "best" practices for mathematics instruction, including the integration of technology. As a course in elementary level math teaching methods, it is designed to engage candidates in thinking beyond the facts and tools of mathematics to the level of understanding ideas and concepts. Thinking conceptually about mathematics means thinking in terms of mathematical constructs that have the potential to produce understanding. In addition, the course will address the role that technology tools are playing in children's mathematics education. The specific mathematical content and instructional practices reflect the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the PA Department of Education standards, and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M). Throughout the course, candidates will plan, implement, and reflect on lessons; use standards and assessments (formative and summative) in evaluating student progress and teacher effectiveness; apply standards-based assessment data to selection of appropriate instructional materials, technology, and/or recommendation for intervention; and apply standards based, data-driven, decision making procedures to lesson planning or re-teaching.