INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES IN MATH AND SCIENCE:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
CI 402/CI 413

 

SYLLABUS

Fall 2001 Class Hours
Section # 19134 / # 19197; 12:30 - 3:45  TTh (251CE)
 


Dr. Mara Alagic
Office: 205 Corbin 
Office hours: 11:00 - 12:20 TTh or by appointment
Phone:(316) 978 6974      Fax: (316) 978 6935
mara@math.twsu.edu
http://education.wichita.edu/faculty/mara_alagic.html

Reaching for excellence!
This course is always work in progress :)

Note: Weather Cancellations - Call 978 6633 (select 2) to obtain information on weather related class cancellations. 

Catalog Description
Students will examine the content and methods of instruction in their subject area and will teach their subject in a variety of settings. 
The field experience allows students to spend an extended length of time in an appropriate classroom working with a cooperating teacher to plan and implement instruction designed to teach distinct objectives and evaluate learning outcomes. They also evaluate their own instruction, noting strengths and weaknesses and planning for improvement.

Prerequisites
Successful completion and posted grades on transcript for Physical and Biological Science;
College Algebra (or higher), Math 501, and Block II. Concurrent enrollment in CI 413 is required.
Students who do not meet these criteria must file a petition with the Associate Dean within seven days of the start of the class and give a copy of the completed petition to the instructor. Students who fail to complete this will be administratively withdrawn.

Course Purpose
This course encompasses areas involved in the development of scientific and mathematical concepts appropriate for children in elementary and middle school. The constructivist learning model will be the major strategy used in this class. A planned and taught integrated unit that utilizes process skills, inquiry, concept development, and problem solving strategies that are described in the national, state and local science/math standards will be the end product of this course.

Textbooks and Related Materials

 Supplies calculator, 3 ring notebook with dividers, graph and ruled paper, magic markers, scissors, glue stick, ruler

Major Topics/Teaching Techniques Modeled

The major topics include (but are not limited to):

Program Goals Addressed
The outcomes of the course reflect the WSU Teacher Education Program Goals of Professionalism #1- 4, Instructor Goals #1 - 8, and Manager Goals #1 - 2.

Student Learning Outcomes
The preservice teacher will experience science and mathematics in the process of constructing and formulating their own philosophy of teaching mathematics and science guided by the following questions:

How do students learn mathematics and science?
1. What is the teacher's role? What is the student's role? How do these roles fit current ideas of how students learn?
2. What are obstacles to teaching in a way that reflects how students learn? What are methods to address these obstacles? 

How do we construct a teaching practice to reflect the way students learn?
3. Where do you see your teaching in the continuum of teaching methodologies? Explain.
Expository (Direct)------------Guided Inquiry--------------Free Discovery
4. How will multiple diverse perspectives enhance the teaching of mathematics and science in your classroom?
5. How will you use the textbook and worksheets in a way that reflects how students learn?
6. Given unlimited resources how would you incorporate technology into teaching mathematics and science?
7. How will you know when students have achieved the outcomes/standards?

 

Student learning outcomes: In constructing a philosophy of teaching mathematics and science the preservice teacher will:

 Program Goal(s)

Related Assessment

 State Standards

Accreditation Standards  
Engage in problem solving, inquiry, and process behaviors. I-1, I-8 Integrated unit, Math unit, Science unit, classroom activities   (f) The study of the use of methods, materials, and technology to teach skills in the subject areas normally found in an elementary school curriculum;  2b, 2c, 3b
Plan and teach mathematics and science to reflect the nature of mathematics and science. M-2, I-6 Concept map, Integrated unit, lesson plans, field experience, teaching philosophy statement 2b, 2c
Write integrated lesson plans and units that are grounded in a constructivist/situated cognition  philosophy of teaching, are developmentally appropriate and based on district, state, and/or national mathematics and science standards. I-5, I-6 Integrated unit, Math unit, Science unit, classroom activities, lesson plans, field experience, teaching philosophy statement 2b, 2c
In planning and teaching, display a knowledge of diversity issues. I-2, M-1 Integrated unit, lesson plans, field experience, teaching philosophy statement 2b, 2c
Utilize a variety of curriculum projects in lesson planning. I-5, M-2 Integrated unit, lesson plans, field experience, teaching philosophy statement 2b, 2c
Incorporate technology in teaching and interacting with colleagues. I-6 Field experiences, reflections, technology assignments, evaluating math and science software, interactive math and science games, MicroWorld Pro 2b, 2c, 3d
Exhibit professional behavior in educational settings. P-1, P-2, P-3 Integrated unit, math unit, science unit, cooperative classroom activities and assignments , field experiences, reflections 2b, 2c, 3c, 3d, 5a
Strive to overcome biases during teaching and working with colleagues and students. P-2, I-4, I-2, M-1 Field experiences, reflections, cooperative group assignments, integrated unit 2b, 2c, 3a, 3d
Reflect on teaching as part of reflective practice. P-1, P-3 Field experience, e-mail reflections, reflections on classroom activities and peer teaching 2b, 2c, 5a
Compile a resource file for mathematics and science. P-4, I-8 Math/Science file 2b, 2c
Use various methods to assess students throughout the teaching experience in terms of stated outcomes. I-2, I-3, I-7 Classroom activities, lesson plans, field experience 2b, 2c, 4

Course Assignments
100 points - attendance and participation
200 points - homework assignments
100 points - weekly reflective journal (content and pedagogy); writing via e-mail
100 points - Math/Science File
100 points - midterm exam (field trip assignment; integrating technology)
50 points - math unit
50 points - science unit 
150 points - integrated unit - field experience documentation
150 points - final exam

Grading
90% - 100% A 900-1000 points
80% - 89% B 800 - 899 points
70% - 79% C 700-799 points
60% - 69% D 600 - 699 points
0% - 59% F less than 600 points

Academic Honesty Statement: Academic honesty is essential for any community of scholars. All graded student work must be that student's original work. If the instructor becomes convinced by either the student's actions or by the work itself that it is not original, the instructor may take action as severe as recording a grade of F, explaining why the action was taken.

Special Needs: If you have a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I would encourage you to contact the Office of Disability Services (DS). The office is located in Grace Wilkie Annex room 173. (Voice phone number is 978-3309; tty phone number is 978-3067). DS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by DS without your written permission.

Tentative Course Schedule

August 28 - Plans for Mealworm Investigation and Plant Experiment

September 4 - Measurement lesson plan

September 11 - Math Unit / Presentations

September 13 - Project Learning Tree training

September 27  - Observe in schools  

October 2 - Science Unit / Presentations

October 9 - Midterm Exam

October 18 - Math/Science file

October 30 - December 4  - Pre-student teaching in schools

December 6 - Integrated unit

December 13 - Final Exam

Attendance and Participation

Professional behavior becoming of a future teacher is expected. Enthusiastic participation in class discussion and activities is also expected. 

  • Daily attendance and punctuality are required attributes for prospective teachers. You are expected to be involved and stay involved. This means you must be in class. Each class will add some new dimensions to your ability to teach in the classroom. There is no way that a class can really be made up. You will earn 3 points for class participation each day you attend class for a total of 96 points. If you are present for all classes, you will earn 4 points for a total of 100 points.
  • If you are absent someone in your cooperative group will collect handouts and explain assignments to you. It is suggested that you share phone numbers and email addresses with those in your cooperative group. It is your responsibility to ask for the information.

Any electronic devices are to be turned off during class. It is inappropriate to bring children or to leave them unattended around the building while you are attending class. 

Late Assignment Policy:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class period unless otherwise announced on the Calendar. NO late work will be accepted. 

Final Examination Date
Thursday, December 13, 1:00 - 2:50 (251CE)
Syllabus

Calendar
revised on September 22 

 Assignments
Midterm		 This week  Reflections Links

SI form

 CI 413    BACK


REMARK  Educational Materials Resource: "Book fine policies are in effect for any materials checked out for this class from the Library Resource Center (LRC) at the Joyce Focht Instructional Support Center (USD 259), 412 S. Main, Wichita. All materials for this class must be returned and fines paid at the LRC by this semester's Study Day before grades for this class will be recorded. NOTE: At the time of check out at the LRC, you will be asked to give your name, social security number, and identify the appropriate WSU class and instructor's name."

 

Mara's homepage

QUESTIONS? 


Updated September, 2001

Maintained by:  Mara Alagic
                                                                  

 

Mathematics Education

Curriculum & Instruction Department

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas  67260-0028