CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION IN MATHEMATICS - J/I

instructor: Dr. Medhat Rahim

contact: 807-343-8053, BL-1028

Office Hrs: Tues 4-5pm, Wed 1:30-2:30pm

email: medhat.rahim@lakeheadu.ca

Website: http://www.lakeheadu.ca/~mrahimwww/

(Please include this in your bookmarks and look for announcements)

Mathematics and the ways it is taught have continued to evolve, influenced both by specialized scholarship and general changes in society. This course reflects these developments as well as changes in my own perspective. For example, a special emphasis is focused on probability that reflects the increased interest of teachers and students in examining those topics through which Mathematics can be applied to problems faced by society or by the individual.

Mathematics, on the other hand, is completely the work of human. Each theorem, each proof, is the product of the human mind. In this sense, mathematics is concrete, whereas the world is abstract.

This course exploits that concreteness to introduce the general reader to mathematics. The "general reader" might be either a university or high school students, whatever his special interest might be, or an inquisitive adult. This course is designed to give students in many fields an appreciation of the beauty, extent, and validity of Mathematics. This course is neither too advanced nor too specialized.

TEXTS REQUIRED

No specific text is required.

Notes for this course will be distributed as we progress

Rahim, M.H. (1996). Mathematics for teachers 1: Visualization and informal reasoning (Revised ed.). Unicorn Academic Press. [This text is out of print; there will be copies in Education Library for copying.]

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE

F A L L

W I N T E R

This timetable would be adjusted as we progress.

NOTE

• Students are expected to do the assigned reading and have the understanding of the relevant mathematics for grades 4-10 as the Ontario Ministry of Education & Training indicates.



• As it is stated in the overview (a) the emphasis throughout the course will be hands-on experience in mathematics for junior and middle grades, and (b) on Mathematics as part of a problem-solving environment.

ASSIGNMENT

Teachers are expected to be well prepared for their mathematics teaching activities. And for you, as a potential teacher of mathematics, it is essential to know and understand both the mathematical content and the methodology. The major assignment for this course in addition to the reading assignment, is to review all mathematics for grades 4-10 as prescribed for Ontario schools. Any Canadian school mathematics series for those grades dated from the mid-seventies up to now is a suitable source. How well you have done your assignment will be determined during the 7^th week (First Midterm Test) and the 6^th week (Second Midterm Test) [in addition to the assignments, at most 3, attendance, contribution to assistance, organization of your notes, and journal reflection]. Note that there are several mathematics series for these grades reserved for you at the Education Library.

TEST/EXAMINATIONS/ASSESSMENT

1. Test on first half of the assignment

DATE: 7^th week in the class period

There will be no mark for skipping the test; REWRITE FOR ILLNESS ONLY.

CONTENT: All class notes

DURATION: 90 minutes

There will be NO Christmas examination.

2. Test on the second half of the assignment

DATE: 6^th week during the class period

There will be no mark for skipping the test; REWRITE FOR ILLNESS ONLY.

CONTENT: All class notes

DURATION: 90 minutes

3. Assignment: There will be 2 assignments (30 marks in total) one for each term, Fall and Winter. Details will be given in class.

EVALUATION OF FINAL MARK

INCOMPLETE STANDING

Incomplete Standing indicates that a student has not passed a course, but that the instructor is prepared to insert a grade upon the completion of required course work or the writing of an examination. The privilege of deferring part of the work in this way will be granted only when, in the opinion of the instructor and his/her department/school, the incomplete work is a separable part of the course. Where a grade of Incomplete is recommended by the instructor and approved by the chair/director of the department/school concerned and the Dean of the Faculty, the designation "Inc" shall be temporarily entered on the student's record by the Registrar. If a student wishes to clear a grade of Incomplete from his[her] record, he [she] must make application to the Registrar within one month after the publication of the grades for the course, and pay the required fee. (Lakehead University Calendar)

IMPORTANT FOR ALL TO REMEMBER

1. Important to know that this is a tentative schedule and there could be a change here or there as we progress through the subject.

2. Every one of you should know that I am always ready for help, advice, and suggestions. Should you experience difficulties, do not hesitate to come and talk to me at once. Don't let things accumulate. I may be able to give you advice, a plan or to help. I feel I am here to guide you for a successful year of your endeavour to build a decent future for yourself and for Canada!

GOOD LUCK!