The Mathematical Preparation of Elementary School Teachers

The Mathematical Preparation of Elementary School Teachers
Gregory D. Foley and Deborah A. Crocker
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
May 14-18, 2001

The intended audience for this workshop is college and university faculty who teach mathematics courses for elementary school teachers. The mathematics will comprise measurement, geometry, number systems, data analysis, probability, and algebraic thinking. Included in this five-day short course will be appropriate use of technology, manipulative devices, problem solving, cooperative learning, and communication?all within the context of mathematics for prospective elementary school teachers.

The instruction will be influenced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Liping Ma?s Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics, the National Research Council report Knowing and Learning Mathematics for Teaching, and other such sources. Early in the week participants will be in student mode, experiencing first hand active, standards-based learning. As the week progresses, the participants will move into instructor mode, planning how they will adopt and adapt what they have learned for use in their own teaching.

At Appalachian State University, the Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Curriculum and Instruction are developing a three-semester course sequence that is now required for prospective teachers of Grades K-6: MAT 2030, CI-MAT 3030, and CI 4030. This sequence is aligned with recommendations of the Mathematical Association of America, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and will serve as the basis for many of the ideas and activities of the short course. Also featured will be materials from the Teachers Teaching with Technology Mathematics Teacher Educator College Short Course, which Dr. Crocker is currently editing.

Click here for the workshop application.

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