SCED 456 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics

3 Credits
3 hours per week.

This course stresses the following activities that are important to the skills acquisition of pre-service teachers: the objectives of Mathematics in secondary schools; the selection of subject matter; the development of lesson plans; the use of textbooks and supplementary materials; the interpretation of measurement results; the appropriate use of teaching strategies; and the interpretation of standardized test results. Specifically, this course is designed to assist the pre-service teacher: (1) in the use of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communications to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interactions in the classroom; and, (2) in the application of effective planning management and instructional techniques that are based on knowledge of the content area, and on community and curriculum needs. This course serves two integrative functions as it proposes to teach the preservice teacher: (1) to integrate the competencies and knowledge acquired in major, professional and pedagogical courses so as to create learning experiences that make the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the content area meaningful for all students; and, (2) to create learning experiences that build on the experiential, cultural, racial, gender and socioeconomic diversity of students in order that they might achieve higher levels of learning. Knowledge and procedures required for the successful implementation of State and National Assessment outcomes in mathematics are addressed. Requisite: Teacher education candidates enrolled in methods courses are required to participate in practicum experiences in the public school. To introduce the yearlong internship, and to comply with the 100 consecutive days expectations, candidates will be required to attend seminars during the first and second semester. The interns will receive prerequisite activities designed for a successful completion of the internship.

Prerequisite(s) Completion of all professional education requirements and senior status.