COURSE SYLLABUS

WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

WORCESTER, MA 01609

Course No: ID 3100

Semester: Fall 2003, B Semester

Classroom: Mass Academy for Math and Science

Professors: Dr. Raynold M. Lewis,

James Barys & Jacklyn Bonneau, Master Teachers

Office Phone: 1-508-929-8883

E-mail Address: rlewis1@worcester.edu , jbarys@wpi.edu, bonneau@wpi.edu

Class: Tuesdays/Thursdays: 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

RESOURCES: Posamentier, A. S. & Stepelman, J. (1988). Teaching secondary school mathematics: Techniques and enrichment units.

Trowridge, A. M. (2000). Teaching secondary school science. Prentice Hall

Saphier, J. & Gower, R. (1997). The skilful teacher. Vol 5. Research For Better Teaching: Acton, MA.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards of School Mathematics. Author. [www.nctm.org]

Massachusetts Department of Education (2000). Mathematics Framework. [www.doe.mass.edu] MCAS Release Items.

Purpose: This course has been purposely designed firstly, to develop among pre-service Middle and Secondary school teachers an awareness of the general strategies and methods that are needed for successful teaching in schools.

Secondly, this course seeks to develop awareness of the mathematical and science concepts that Middle and Secondary school students should learn, how they acquire these concepts informally, and what methods and materials provide the best match to facilitate formal learning and understanding of those concepts.

To become aware of inquiry as a technique of teaching science, ideas of authentic assessment, national curriculums and their goals, safety as it relates to the science classroom and laboratory, applicable technology as a tool of science.

This course will also introduce the various pedagogies that are used in the secondary school mathematics classroom. Discussion will be based on current cognitive research.

To become aware of inquiry as a technique of teaching science, ideas of authentic assessment, national curriculums ad their goals, safety as it relates to the science classroom and laboratory, applicable technology as a tool of science.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this course, pre-service teachers will be expected to have:

(a) Developed an appreciation for the development of mathematics and science education and pivotal curricular documents.

(b) Taught at least one mathematics/science lesson at the Middle-school level.

(c) Developed a better understanding of the relationship between mathematics and science content and processes and be able to assess student learning using rubrics.

(d) An understanding of the role of Standards Based Curriculum through knowledge of the MCAS system, the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000) and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Standards, and the Massachusetts Framework.

(h) An understanding of the Common Teaching Competencies, as found in 603 CMR 7.11(1)(a), and an understanding of the Professional Standards for Teachers.

(i) Convert a standard cookbook laboratory into an inquiry based one, with appropriate sections and safety.

Instruction: Students are expected to attend all classes, be on time and complete any assigned work required for that class period. If a student is absent he/she is responsible for the content discussed that day and must complete any teaching assignment for that day. All classes will begin in MAMS from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on Thursdays and at WPI on Tuesdays from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. The General Methods class will be conducted on Tuesdays and the Mathematics and Science Methods will be conducted on Thursdays.

Absences: This class meets twice a week. Being absent robs the student of valuable instruction. If a student is absent she/he is responsible for all information provided and activities that the engaged the class.

Exams: Students will be required to successfully complete assessments in both aspects of the course: the general methods and the mathematics/science component.

Assignment: All assignments must be typed and completed in a neat and coherent manner.

All assigned readings must be read. Students are expected to participate in discussions on assigned readings. Notes from class discussions are required after each class and must be dated. If a student is absent, the entry for that day must begin with the word “absent”, followed by the notes received from someone who was present for that class.

Teaching: All students are expected to teach one lesson. Failure to do so will amount to an incomplete unless there are other mitigating circumstances. Students must also complete 10 hours of classroom observation at a Junior High school.

Portfolio: A portfolio is an important requirement for successfully completing this class. Your portfolio could become a valued resource during your induction period. A three-ring binder is suggested for your portfolio. Be creative in designing an attractive and appropriate cover. Contents must include the following:

(a) Class notes and handouts.

(b) History of your mathematics/science experience.

(c) Your philosophy of education

(d) Brief daily reflections after class.

(e) How are the readings impacting your understanding?

(f) Classroom assignments and projects.

(g) Lesson plans.

(h) Classroom Observations.

(i) Development of a unit plan.

Evaluation:

General Methods 150 points

Science/Math Methods 150 points

Student Portfolio 150 points

Date	Topics	Readings	Assignments
10/28/03	Teaching: An Art and Science State. Local, and national governments issues in education: Dr. Raynold M. Lewis	What to teach? When to teach it? How to teach it?	History of math/science education: Philosophy of education
10/30/03	Demonstrations, laboratory and safety Introductions: Pedagogies in the mathematics classroom: teacher vs student centered, collaborative, traditional, constructivist		ü
11/04/03	Teaching for understanding: The psychology of learning: procedural and conceptual understanding.	What is a Lesson Plan?	Reading: Cognition and teaching for understanding
11/06/03	Creating an inquiry laboratory activity. Technology in the mathematics classroom: TI-8x, CAS, Sketchpad, Fathom, Mathematica		Change a laboratory in your field to an inquiry activity.
11/11/03	The Role of Questioning	Novice and expert teachers	Examination I
11/13/03	Technology and methods and materials in teaching mathematics and science		Complete a laboratory activity
11/18/03	Classroom Management and classroom discipline.	The Fight and Profanity in the classroom.	Case study #21 and #32.
11/20/03	Curriculum and standards in science		Read chapters 18 and 19
11/25/03	Principles of Learning: Teaching and assessment.		Begin classroom observation
11/27/03	Thanksgiving Holiday
12/02/03	Alternative and authentic assessment	CASE STUDIES	Write two assessment pieces for your unit plan.
12/04/03	Diversity in the classroom	Class Discussion	Teach a lesson in a secondary school
12/09/03	Review of assessment ideas: Rubrics. NCTM assessment standards.		Write an open ended question and construct a rubric
12/11/03	Tests and measurement:		Exam II
12/16/03	Share your unit ideas
12/18/03	Ray, Jim, & Jacklyn	Determining Final Grades