Southern Miss Gulf Coast | College of Science and Technology | Mathematics | MAT 309 Syllabus

UPDATED!!
MAT 309: MATHEMATICS FOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS II
Fall 2006

Course Meeting: Tuesday and Thursdays: 9:30 AM- 10:45 AM ROOM 138M SSC

Instructor: Marlene Naquin, M.S.T.
E-mail: Marlene.Naquin@usm.edu
Office Phone: (voice mail only 228-214-3298 or Science and Tech office
Office Hours:

EMAIL: You must activate your USM email account for this course. I will send updates and information to that address. Contact ITech as soon as possible if you need to do this. All email sent to me regarding this course should have the subject MAT 309 Fall 06 if it is not sent through Web CT.

You must register onto WebCT for this course. Supplements and course activities will be given through this manner.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PREREQUISITES
MAT 101 College Algebra
MAT 210 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Begin to define your teaching career, as a researcher of students' mathematical thinking and learning.
2. Explore problem solving strategies and their application to solving mathematical problems
3. Investigate topics in geometry including, polygons, area, volume, congruence, similarity, instructions, coordinates, transformations, and standard and metric measurement.
4. Investigate strategies for using manipulatives, technology, cooperative learning, and alternative assessment in teaching K-8 mathematics.
5. Discuss and explore the nature and depth of mathematical concepts encountered in the elementary and middle school.
6. Participate in and develop learning activities that will be used in your classroom.
7. Share your ideas about teaching mathematics with your peers.
8. Explore the mathematical journals written for elementary teachers.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy encouraged by the NCTM Standards.

COURSE MATERIALS
Required Readings
Musser, G.W, Burger, W.F., and Peterson, B.E. (2003). Mathematics for elementary teachers: A contemporary approach. 6th Edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc: New York, NY.

Suggested Readings & References
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles & standards for school mathematics. NCTM: Reston, VA.

Stigler, J. & Hiebert, J. (1999). The teaching gap. The Free Press: New York, NY.

Wiggins, G. (1998). Educative assessment. Jossey-Bass: New Jersey.

Others will be suggested as the semester progresses.

COURSE GRADING SYSTEM

• The course grade will be computed according to the following criteria: Exams 1, 2, and 3: 50 Points Each
• Discussion questions and article reviews: 60 points total
• Lessons plans: 50 Points total (Two lesson plans covering topics from this course. One is to be cross-curricular.)
  

(Remember to get credit for this course you must make at least a C!) Exams MUST be taken on the scheduled test date.

Attendance & Participation. In a laboratory-oriented course such as this, attendance is essential and mandatory. Absences will greatly decrease the value of this course for you as an individual and for the group as a whole. Participation in classroom discussions is required and will enhance your understanding of the material. Excessive non-attendance (more than two absences for whatever reason [excused and unexcused]) will lower your grade by one letter (or 20 points) for each absence. Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. If you are late, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor (after class) of your presence.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly assignments
Each week a set of questions will be assigned to accompany the lessons. The purpose of these assignments is to help you clarify your understanding of the readings, chapter, and class work. Some assignments will be done through Web CT.

Lesson plans
The format will be given via Web CT. In your lessons you should include the materials needed, the grade level you will be teaching, how the lesson will progress and how you will assess the material covered.

Exams
The exams will consist of questions about the readings and class work. Material covered up to the date of the exam will be included. Each exam is scored out of 50 points.

TENTATIVE!!!! COURSE SCHEDULE

EXTRA CREDIT POLICY
The instructor might offer extra credit points on the exams or during class discussions on a challenging question or problem that arises. However, under NO circumstance will there be extra credit projects during or after the course to raise an individual's final point total.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities act (ADA) and requires accommodations, s/he should contact the office for disability accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies.
Address: The University of Southern Mississippi on the Gulf Coast
Office of Disability Accommodations
730 East Beach Blvd
Long Beach, MS 39560
Voice of TTY: 228.214.3232

EQUAL ACCESS
The University of Southern Mississippi offers to all equal access to educational, programmatic, and employment opportunities without regard to age, gender, religious affiliation, ethnicity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. This policy protects students whenever they are involved in activities related to USM, both on and off campus. Inquiries concerning discrimination should be directed to the Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity. The OAA/EEO is located at 221 Weathersby Hall, and the phone number is: 601-266-6618.