Methods and Materials for Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School
Revised: September 2020
Course Description
A survey of contemporary trends and issues in teaching mathematics at the secondary
level. Methods, materials, curriculum, and other current practices are included. Prerequisite:
Admission to the professional education sequence; MATH 414. Three semester hours.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the successful student will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues in teaching mathematics at the high school
level.
- Be able to identify mathematics curricular goals, plan instruction to meet these goals,
implement lesson plans, assess student learning, and evaluate mathematics instruction.
Text
Wieman, R. and Arbaugh, F., Success from the Start: your first years teaching secondary mathematics, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2013.
Grading Procedure
Grading procedures and factors influencing course grade are left to the discretion
of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.
Attendance Policy
Attendance policy is left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to
general university policy.
Course Outline
- Planning, Goals and Objectives
Teaching functions and practices, planning, writing objectives, teacher performance
appraisal instruments;
- Secondary mathematics curriculum
Review of curriculum guidelines, analysis of secondary text materials, designing
plans to address curriculum goals.
- Delivery of instruction
Factors related to classroom environment, implementing instruction in a classroom
setting - student motivation, teacher demonstration, questioning, and practice; cultural
diversity, utilization of alternative instructional techniques; evaluation of instruction
and student performance;
- Mathematics education reform
Recent history of mathematics education, identification of issues related to curriculum
reform, review and implementation of instruction related to contemporary standards;
- Instructional materials
Analyze and use materials such as kits, classroom models, audio-visual packages,
calculators, computer software and hardware packages;
- Non-instructional duties
Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to such professional activities as classroom
records, teacher licensure, parent conferences, and the school job setting.