ED 635G - Mathematical Concepts in Primary Curricula

This is an elective course in the MAE curriculum directly addressing the conceptualization of the fundamental principles of primary mathematics for elementary and middle school teaching candidates. The essential question deals with how various mathematics curricula tie the underlying principles of fundamental mathematics to the procedures taught to primary and middle school children in western curricula and in Asian curricula. The purpose of the course is to prepare MAE candidates and certified teachers to facilitate the deeper understanding of fundamental mathematics for elementary and middle school children. The academic instructional methods include lecture, readings on comparative mathematics education, discussion, exploration and analysis of various primary mathematics curricula, and development of a unit and lesson plans from one of the curricula focused on the conceptualization of the fundamental principles underlying the procedure(s) on which the unit is focused. Assessment of mathematics achievement will also be addressed, and students will be encouraged to design action research studies to be applied to the units they develop in the course.

Prerequisites: ED 393 or equivalent with a grade of “B” or higher; or equivalent professional experience and prerequisites.
Credits: 3 hours
When Offered: (offered spring, summer)