S

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

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EDUCATION 475-4

DESIGNS FOR LEARNING: MATHEMATICS (ELEMENTARY)

D 2.00

Summer Intersession, 1989

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Instructor: Ed O'Regan

(May 8 - June 16) ?

Office: ?

MPX 8673

Mondays/Wednesdays ?

Phone: ?

291-3745 (Office)

1:00 p.m. - 4:50 P. M.

Location: MPX 7500

PREREQUISITES:

Education 401/402, or equivalent.

OBJECTIVES

To consider the role of the teacher and of mathematics in the elementary school curriculum. To

acquire the expertise to deal confidently with the prescribed new curriculum in mathematics for

schools in B.C. (to develop the teaching strategies required to implement the new curriculum and

to revise relevant mathematical content). A number of new topics in Data Analysis, Probability,

and Algebra have been introduced into the curriculum, the grade placement of some topics in

Number Operations has been revised, and more traditional topics such as Problem Solving and

Geometry have been given a renewed and major emphasis. In addition, all pupils are expected to

learn estimation skills and to be able to use a calculator as a learning aid. The findings of the latest

research on the teaching of all these topics will be sampled.

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

Plan for instruction in mathematics. Construct a number of teaching and learning aids. Use a

variety of manipulative materials such as Dienes blocks and geoboards. Apply some of the

techniques of cooperative learning to the teaching of mathematics. Explore the use of language

as a learning aid. Use a selection of evaluation techniques. Discuss the role of the teacher and

mathematics in the elementary school curriculum.

OUTLINE OF TOPICS

* Learning theory and mathematics

* The four basic operations

* Measurement

* Algebra

* Problem solving

* Rational numbers

* Geometry

* Technology

* Prenumber concepts

* Ratio and proportion

* Data analysis

* Evaluation & Remediation

(Planning for instruction, language as learning aid, and the use of manipulatives will be

linked to each topic.)

TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS

Students are expected 0 attend all classes and to participate fully in classwork and

discussions. Assi9nme-jj topics will include: (a) problem solving; (b) lesson and unit

planning;

(C)

a review o professional journals; (d) a classroom presentation; (e) review

of authorized textbooks; (f) exercises involving algorithms and manipulatives.

TEXTBOOK

Post, T. R. (ed.). Teaching mathematics in

g

rades K-8: Research based methods.

Toronto: Allyn and Bacon.