Cornell Math - MATH 507, Spring 2000

MATH 507 — Spring 2000
Approaches to Secondary Mathematics

 

Instructor: Avery Solomon
Time: TR 2:55-4:10
Room: MT 203

Overview

The course will explore a variety of current issues in mathematics curriculum and education, including both content and methods of teaching mathematics. This course should be especially of interest to those who will be teaching courses for teachers, as well as those planning to teach mathematics. Grad students as well as seniors with background and interest are welcome.

Course Format

We will explore math activities from k-12 topics as a basis for discussion. Each week participants will be expected to read one or two short papers, be prepared to discuss these, and write a short paper. Participants will present/lead a discussion of a current issue in math ed. Participants will choose a project/presentation exploring one of the lenses for mathematics, and write a 5-10 page report and lead a discussion with examples. In addition, we will view and critique videos of classroom lessons by outstanding teachers, and we will be inviting area teachers and educators to lead guest discussions.

Content

Seven "Lenses" for looking at mathematics education

  1. PHILOSOPHY of Mathematics Education. An introduction to different views of math education including constructivism, radical constructivism and Platonism. Discussion of relevance to teaching mathematics.
  2. APPROACHES to learning and teaching mathematics: Current views on teaching and learning mathematics, Mathematics as: reasoning, problem solving, communication and interconnections.
  3. STANDARDS and Frameworks: An overview of the new NCTM Standards 2000 and other current frameworks for mathematics content and instruction. Frameworks for Algebra. What is Algebra?
  4. MATERIALS overview k-12 An overview of materials from NSF sponsored curriculum projects for middle and high school mathematics.
  5. REASON AND PROOF A discussion of proof: What does it mean to prove something?: What does it mean to think mathematically? Place of logic and intuition in mathematics. Different kinds of intelligence. Levels of knowing.
  6. SOCIAL ISSUES/Systemic Changes: Readings and discussions of equity, systemic initiatives, tracking, demographics, and gender as time allows. Can all humans learn/do mathematics?
  7. TECHNOLOGY and Education The use of Geometer's Sketchpad and other software environments as a context for exploration. Issues of the role of calculator/grapher at different grade levels.