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SIMON FRASER UNWERSJTY ?

DESIGNS FOR LEARNING: ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS

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(E1.00)

Fall Semester, 1991 ?

Instructor: ?

Dr. Tom O'Shea

(September 3- November 29)

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Office: ?

MPX 8642

Wednesday, 4:30 - 8:20 p.m.

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Phone: ?

291-4453 (office)

Location: MPX 7500

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291-3395 (messages)

PREREQUISITES: Education 401/402, or equivalent

The mathematics curriculum in British Columbia has undergone major change in the

last few years. The revised curriculum includes new topics such as data analysis and

probability, and other topics, such as geometry, receive greater emphasis. Calculators

have become a natural component of the school program. Students are expected to use

manipulative materials as a major vehicle for learning.

This course is designed for prospective and practising elementar

y

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 such as geo-boards, logic blocks, and coloured rods. 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.

OUTLINE OF TOPICS

• Theories of mathematics learning

• Problem solving

• Measurement

• Arithmetic operations

• Rational numbers

• Geometry

• Estimation

• Ratio and proportion

• Data analysis

• Technology

• Algebra

• Evaluation and remediation

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TYPICAL 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, but students should expect to complete 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 authorized series of elementary textbooks in British

Columbia.

- an assignment that requires students to examine a number of professional

journals related to the teaching of mathematics

- a lesson development assignment related to the B.C. Mathematics Curriculum

Guide, Grades 1-8.

In addition, each student will be expected to complete a project related to his or her own

interests, as negotiated with the instructor.

TEXTBOOK

Post, T.R. (ed.). (1988). Teaching mathematics in grades K-8: Research based

methods. Toronto: Allyn and Bacon.