SIGN FRASER UNIVERSITY

Summer Semester 2003-2

EDUC415

-4

Peter LUjedahi

Designs for Learning: ?

Office: EDB 7511

Secondary Mathematics

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Phone: 291-4117

Thursday 17:30-21:20 ?

E01.00 ?

Email: pgl@sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE:

EDUC 401/402.

DESCRIPTION

The mathematics curriculum in British Columbia has undergone major changes in recent years. The revised

curriculum includes new topics such as data analysis, probability, vectors, and matrices. Otlier topics, such

as geometry, are given greater emphasis than in the past. All students are expected to own and use a scientific

calculator and graphing calculator. Teachers are encouraged to use manipulative materials in group settings as

a major vehicle for learning.

The course is designed for prospective and practising secondary school teachers who wish to explore the

fundamentals of the learning/teaching process as it applies to mathematics. The course will draw on the latest

research in mathematics learning, and will show how such findings may be used in the classroom. Students

will be expected to become familiar with and confident in the use of a variety of manipulative materials as

well as various electronic based resources (internet, software, calculators). They will also explore the realities

of mathematical learning by examining their own learning powers and patterns. On completion of the course

it is hoped that participants will feel more at ease with the subject of mathematics, be able to deal confidently

with the prescribed curriculum, and be able to plan mathematical instruction within a consistent framework.

REQUIREMENTS

Students will be expected to attend all classes, and to participate fully in classwork and discussions. Specific

assignments will depend on the number and backgrounds of students enrolled in the course. Assignments

given in previous years include the following:

• a problem-solving assignment in which students keep a journal to record their efforts over a period of time

• an assignment related to the secondary textbooks used in British Columbia

• an assignment that requires students to examine a number of professional journals related to the teaching of

mathematics

• a presentation to the class demonstrating an idea, activity, or technique for teaching mathematics

• a lesson development assignment related to the B.C. Integrated Resource Package (IRP) for Mathematics

• a project related to his or her own interests, as negotiated with the instructor

Enrolment in EDUC 411 - Investigations/Secondary Mathematics is strongly encouraged.

RECOMMENDED TEXT

Poamentier, A. & Stepelman, J. (1999). Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units

(5th edition). Merrill - Prentice Hall. Upper Sddle River, NJ.