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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
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EDUCATION 475-4
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DESIGNS FOR LEARNING: MATHEMATICS (SECONDARY)
Regular Summer Semester, 1991
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Instructor: Dr. Tom O'Shea
(May 6 —August 2)
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Office: ?
MPX 8642
Mondays, 1:00 - 4:50 p.m.
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Phone: ?
291-4453 (office)
Location: MPX 7500F
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291-3395 (messages)
PREREQUISITES:
Educ. 401i402, or equivalent
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The mathematics curriculum in British Columbia has undergone major changes
in recent years. The revised curriculum includes new topics such as data analysis
and probability, and other topics, such as geometry, are given greater emphasis
than in the past. All students are expected to own and use a scientific 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 secondar 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, algebra tiles, and probability
simulators. 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.
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. 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 newly authorized series of secondary textbooks 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. Mathematics Curriculum
Guide, Grades 7-12
In addition to specific assignments each student will be expected to complete a
project related to his or her own interests, as negotiated with the instructor.
