SU DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

 SYLLABUS (Tentative)

MATH 541: Conceptual Algebra for Teachers

 

Background:

This is a content course, not a methods course. However throughout, we will model and pay attention to pedagogical considerations

Objectives:

To strengthen the background of those who teach or wish to teach middle school algebra (pre-algebra through algebra II) in algebraic thinking and in constructivist algebraic instructional design aligned with NCTM recommendations. We will analyze middle school algebra from a higher, teacher’s perspective (what comes in future courses in HS and college?)

 

Intended Audience:

Pre-service and in-service elementary and middle school teachers wishing to strengthen their mathematical background. 

 

Prerequisite:

Admission to Graduate studies (student does not need to be admitted

 to a graduate program however)

 

Text: 

Notes, activities/worksheets, and other handouts from the instructor, along with Fostering Algebraic Thinking, A Guide for Teachers Grades 6-10 by Mark Driscoll

Recommended Technology:

Access to the internet along with the ability to join a mailing list, use a web-based discussion board, and java applets. Graphing calculators, though not a central part of the course, will be discussed as well.

 

 

Weeks

What is Algebra? What is Conceptual Algebra?

1

Diagnosing students' errors and conceptual trouble-spots

1.5

NCTM Standards & Conceptual Algebra in K12. “Algebrization”: how

Does one get from “I see the pattern” to a formula?

3

Understanding Functions

                                            

3

Understanding lines and “linearity” deeply.

3

Hands On Equations, Algebra Tiles, and other manipulatives. Java applets, graphing calculators, and other technologies. Instructional and Pedagogical context. Putting it all together. 

3

 

14.5

 

EVALUATION

Type of activity

Tentative, approximate %

Class attendance and participation

10%

 Cover Sheet (written) assignments

 20%

Other written assignements

10%

Lesson Plans portfolio

20%

Final Oral Presentations

10%

Final Course Portfolio

30%

 

     This course complies with the University Policy on Writing Across the Curriculum.  The Ability to communicate mathematics effectively both orally and in writing is very important.  The assignments and modified lesson plans in this course are designed to help students develop and enhance that ability.

 

HB/lsa                                                                                                                                                                                    9/2002