Dr. Tom M. Giambrone

Office: BI 331

Phone: 878 5717

Email: giambrtm@math.buffalostate.edu

Web Site: http://math.buffalostate.edu/~giambrtm/

Office Hours: 11-12 Tu Th

 

 

Course Number and Title: MED 308 - Methods in Teaching Secondary School Math

Instructor Information:

Course Description:

The role of this course will be to prepare you to teach mathematics in the secondary school. In this course you will:

    1. use knowledge of student diversity to design instruction to affirm and support full participation and continued study of mathematics by all students. This diversity includes gender, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, language, special needs, and mathematical learning styles.
    2. use appropriate technology to design instruction which supports the learning of mathematics. This technology includes, but is not limited to, computers and computer software, calculators, interactive television, distance learning, electronic information resources, and a variety of relevant multimedia
    3. use formative and summative methods to determine students' understanding of mathematics and to monitor your own teaching effectiveness.
    4. design instruction that identifies, teaches, and model problem solving in grades 7-12.
    5. design instruction that uses a variety of physical and visual materials for exploration and development of mathematical concepts in grades 7-12.
    6. utilize a variety of print and electronic resources in instruction.
    7. design instruction that uses student groupings such as collaborative groups, cooperative learning, and peer teaching.
    8. use instructional strategies based on current research as well as national, state, and local standards relating to mathematics instruction.
    9. work on an interdisciplinary team and in an interdisciplinary environment.
    10. become a part of the professional community of mathematics educators.

 

Relationship to the Conceptual Model:

How this course fits into the college’s NCATE conceptual framework. This course is at the intersection of all of the following sets.

Diversity: This course is committed to the concept that all children can learn and due to diversity learn in different ways.

Technology: We will use graphing calculators (TI 83), geometer’s Sketchpad and other appropriate software in this course.

Dealing with Exceptional Learners:

Techniques for Diagnosis and Remediation will be examined as well as models for assessing and developing children’s mathematical understanding in a variety of ways.

Course Requirements/Grading Policy:

Evaluation:

Assignments 40%

Journals 10%

2 Classroom Tests 20%

Fieldwork and Projects 30%

Assignments: Grading of the assignments will be based upon their completion and accuracy. You must hand in your assignments on the day next class following the assignment. One letter grade will be deducted for each day the assignment is late.

Journal - A central feature of this course is the exploration of your ideas about mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. I believe that this can be accomplished through the use of the class journal. Each week you will be asked to write a one-page reaction to an issue raised in class or in the readings. You will be asked to also comment on at least two of your classmate's entries. The class journal will be a loose-leaf notebook kept in the Math Club office. It is not graded for content but rather a forum for you to explore your ideas and questions and concerns.

Projects and Fieldwork. During the semester you will be asked to complete three projects. This course will involve thirty hours of clinical experience. We will be using a Japanese model where you will be grouped into study groups where you will collectively plan and teach a lesson at Lafayette High School to students. You will be videotaped as a part of this experience. More information will be provided.

Tests - There will be a midterm and a final examination. More information will be provided as to content and format.

Attendance is mandatory. Your final grade will be multiplied by (N-A)/N where A is the number of classes you are absent and N is the number of class meetings. Tardiness will be assign .5 of an absence.

Required/Recommended Texts, Reading, Material:

NCTM. Principles and Standards of School Mathematics. Reston, VA, 2000.

Behavior:

"All students are expected to comport themselves in a manner that
does not convey to others in the college community any disrespect,
intolerance, or rude behavior based on age, race, religion, color,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital,
veteran, or socioeconomic status. All members of the college
community are expected to contribute to the college environment to
move the college community in the direction of respect for all".

"The instructor may have removed from the classroom anyone who, in the instructor's opinion, is disrupting the educational process, and pursue formal changes against the student under the college judicial system, pursuant to Buffalo State College's Procedure Regarding Disruptive Individuals."

Use of Cell Phones:

Only leave your cell phone on if you are facing an emergency situation. Please inform me in advance.

Academic Honesty Policy:

You are expected to complete assignments on your own. No collusion is permitted on homework, projects, and tests. The penalty for collusion is a zero for that assignment or project. If you are unable to take a test a notice of 2 hours must be given. Documentation is required.

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

"If you have a disability or suspect that you have a disability that requires any type of accommodation to fulfill the requirements of this course, please contact the Office of Special Services for Students with Disabilities at 878-4500."