Catalog Descriptions for Graduate Courses in K-8 Mathematics Education
- 5370. Problem Solving in K-8 Mathematics (3-0).
A study of the nature and aspects of problem solving in mathematics,
with application to the teaching and learning of K-8 mathematics.
Topics include deconstructing and modifying tasks, assessment of
problem solving, and the roles of representation, conjecture & proof,
and technology in problem solving. Assignments require interaction
in K-8 field settings. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
- 5375. Constructing Whole Number and Operations, K-8 (3-0).
A study of the interaction between the structure of place-value numeration
systems and the nature of the four arithmetic operations. The development
of traditional and alternative computational arithmetic algorithms from
conceptual and concrete models for operations, viewed through the lens of
alternative numeration systems and research on children's mathematical
thinking. Assignments require interaction in K-8 field settings.
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
- 5376. Constructing Rational Number and Operations, K-8 (3-0).
The meanings and representations of rational numbers, and the development
of computations on rational numbers from algorithms for whole numbers,
including concrete models for operations on fractions and decimals.
Discussion of research on the learning and teaching of operations on
rational numbers. Also, divisibility tests and factoring. Assignments
require interaction in K-8 field settings. Prerequisite: MATH 5375.
- 5377. Algebraic Thinking in K-8 Mathematics (3-0).
A study of the practice of making and justifying generalizations in K-8
mathematics, including field properties of operations, modular arithmetic
(with applications to odd/even), relations and equivalence relations, the
introduction and use of variables and unknowns, and the influence of
representations on the form of mathematical arguments. Assignments
require interaction in K-8 field settings. Prerequisite: MATH 5375.
- 5378. Geometry Concepts in K-8 Mathematics (3-0).
Major concepts of geometry applied to the teaching and learning of K-8
mathematics. Topics include dimension, development of definitions,
meanings of angle, geometric comparison relations, notions of center,
and non-Euclidean geometries. Assignments require interaction
in K-8 field settings. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
- 5379. Measurement Concepts in K-8 Mathematics (3-0).
The development of measurement concepts as applied to the teaching and
learning of K-8 mathematics. Topics include the development and properties
of standard and nonstandard units, notions of size, decomposing space,
relationships between boundaries and interiors, the algebra of units,
measuring time, and notions of heaviness. Assignments require interaction
in K-8 field settings. Prerequisite: graduate standing.