Course

Description

This course will present methods of and materials for instruction for classroom paraprofessionals so that they can provide mathematical experiences confidently and knowledgeably.  The learner will also receive instruction in the areas of cognitive development most closely associated with mathematics for students ages four to 14.

Prerequisite:

Introductory Algebra 38101 or waiver by placement testing results or Departmental approval.

Required Text:

Learning Mathematics in Elementary and Middle Schools, Third Edition

Cathcart, Pothier, Vance and Bezuk

Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hall, 2003.

Course Objectives:

Learners will:

1.  create materials to enhance mathematics instruction
2. have demonstrable familiarity with spiraling mathematics systems employed in their school or district
3. have the skill to develop and implement a mathematics lesson
4. an understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of mathematics instruction
5. develop number concepts
6. demonstrate problem solving and mathematical thinking strategies for themselves and their students
7. know number theory and numeration
8. be able to discern mathematical concepts in children’s literature

Course Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• create a portfolio of materials appropriate to their classroom (R,W,CT,OC,TS,QS)
• evaluate student progress and success (CT,OC,R,W)
• demonstrate an understanding of numeration (R,W,CT,QS,OC)
• demonstrate an ability to see mathematics in the world around them (R,W,CT,QS,TS,OC)
• develop a working knowledge of manipulatives including, but not limited to, Unifix Cubes, Geo Boards, and Cuisenaire Rods and their application to mathematics instruction (R,W,CT,OC,TS,QS)
• develop and demonstrate lessons or activities (R,W,OC,CT,QS,TS)
• critique peer performance (CT,OC,W)

Key to Core Competencies: R= reading, W= writing, CT= critical thinking, QS= quantitative skills, OC= oral communication,TS= technology skills

Instructional Methods:

Lecture, discussion, reading and writing assignments, group and individual activities, demonstrations, and hands-on practice

Methods of Evaluation:

Portfolio  

Lesson plan(s) and activities

Student progress evaluation and report

Tests and quizzes

ADA Statement:

“Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in the classroom are encouraged to contact the Learning Disabilities Coordinator, Nancy Sullivan, at Ext. 1082, or Disability Counselor, Stan Oliver, at Ext. 1464 as soon as possible in order to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.”

Topic Schedule (tentative):

Week 1:   Introduction

                Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Week 2:  Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving

Week 3:   Assessing Understanding

Week 4:   Developing Number Concepts

Week 5:   Numeration

Week 6:   Operations – Meaning and Mastery

Week 7:   Estimation and Computation

Week 8:    Fractions- concepts and computation

Week 9:   Decimals

Week 10:  Ratio, Proportion and Percent

Week 11:  Geometry and Spatial Sense

Week 12:  Measurement

Week 13:  Data collection, organization and interpretation

Week 14:  Integers and Algebraic thinking