MATH 507: Exploring Teaching and Learning in Secondary Mathematics (Spring 2004)

Instructor: Avery Solomon

Meeting Time & Room

Math 507 is a tour through contemporary issues in secondary Mathematics Education. If you are thinking of becoming a teacher of mathematics, have an interest in teaching, or will be teaching courses to future math teachers, this course is valuable. Seniors and graduate students in mathematics, cs, engineering and math education are welcome.

We will address such questions as: What does it mean to think mathematically? How can we empower a broader range of students to do mathematics and think mathematically? What new activities and approaches are being developed and used in k-12 mathematics? We will look at mathematics education through the following lenses: Philosophy of Mathematics Education; contemporary approaches and materials; NCTM standards and frameworks; problem solving, reasoning, intuition and proof; exploring mathematics in a context; social issues/systemic change; appropriate technology (including Geometers Sketchpad.)

Each week we will explore some math activity or problem and read an article as a basis for discussion about a central/current issue. Exemplary activities from middle/high school topics as well as videos of classroom lessons will supplement our inquiry. Theory and practice combine to deepen our understanding of a whole view of teaching and learning mathematics, and enhance our practice of teaching. Participants will do observations in local school classes, write short papers on discussion topics, and occasionally present ideas and lead discussions.

Last modified: October 23, 2003