Topics for this course can vary, but may focus on one or more of the following: techniques and content for teaching algebra at the secondary level based on national and state recommendations, standards-based materials; relations and function; data analysis and curve fitting; sequences and series; precalculus concepts, chaos and fractals: groups, rings and fields. Students may repeat the course with a different topic as its focus with the permission of the department chair.
This course focuses on algebraic thinking and concepts central to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics [CCSSM]. Specifically, the mathematical content of the course aligns with the CCSSM standards (grade 5-12) in number, quantity, and algebra. Classroom activities explore this mathematical content and the Standards for Mathematical Practice in CCSSM, deepening students' understanding. The activities also demonstrate how mathematical practices can be integrated in the everyday learning experiences of every student. Building on this knowledge, students design lesson plans to achieve clear content and process objectives. Classroom discussions focus on thinking processes, mathematical concepts, habits of mind, conceptual understanding, and dispositions that students need in order to develop a deep, flexible, and enduring understanding of mathematics.
This course is the culminating field-based teaching experience for teacher certification students in the Master of Education (MEd) in mathematics or Post Baccalaureate, Middle or Secondary Education programs. Students must have completed early field-based experiences and all coursework for the certification, including any required undergraduate competencies, before taking this course. Teacher candidates pursuing an internship will gradually assume responsibility for a full range of teaching activities encountered in a school situation. Internship provides an opportunity for demonstrating the appropriate professional skills, attitudes and dispositions essential for successful teaching. The teaching field experience is conducted under the supervisory guidance of mentor teacher and university supervisor. An online seminar compliments the experience. Certification candidates who are not pursuing the M.Ed. must have submitted passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators to the College of Graduate Studies office before enrolling. All candidates who will be required to take Praxis II for NH Certification must make arrangements for that testing independently. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all other program requirements for certification by the beginning of the internship semester; permission of the Coordinator of Teacher Certification and Clinical Experiences; and Mathematics Department Program Coordinator. Prior to registering, students must meet with James Wenhart (jcwenhart@plymouth.edu) for Seminar One, in the College of Graduate Studies, and contact the instructor of this course to discuss course requirements. A Placement Confirmation Form must be submitted to: teacher_cert@plymouth.edu prior to the student teaching term.
PRIOR TO REGISTERING, students must meet with James Wenhart (jcwenhart@plymouth.edu) for Seminar One, in the Office of Educator Preparation, and contact Osama Ta'ani (otaani@plymouth.edu), Coordinator of the Mathametics Education programs, to discuss course requirements and arrange meeting dates and times. A Placement Confirmation Form must be submitted to: psu-oep@plymouth.edu prior to the student teaching term.