MA-01 Getting Ready
for Algebra by Using Virtual Manipulatives
This course will prepare
teachers to use virtual manipulatives to help their students get
ready for algebra. Participants will explore the 17 Algebra Readiness
indicators developed by the SREB (Southern Region Education Board)
and ETS (the Educational Testing Service), including the five "process" indicators
and the twelve "content and skills" indicators. Participants
will learn how they can use virtual manipulatives and other technologies
to help their students gain proficiency in order to be successful
algebra students. Participants will complete a technology enhanced
classroom project for their students that is aligned to NCTM and
state standards.
MA-02 Differentiating Instruction
to Accommodate Learning Styles in Mathematics
Addressing the individual
learning styles of students can be a challenge for teachers. The
World Wide Web contains a vast number of resources to assist teachers
in understanding and planning for the different avenues through
which students learn best. Suitable for participants of all grade
levels and subject areas, this course will review a range of web
sites providing information about learning theory related to learning
styles and multiple intelligences, as well as resources to assist
teachers in both identifying students' learning styles and intelligences
and engaging students in activities which best suit those styles
and intelligences. Participants will become familiar with teaching
strategies and tools targeted for each learning style and intelligence
and develop a preliminary lesson plan using those strategies and
tools.
MA-03 Using Patterns to Develop Algebraic Thinking
In this course
for middle school teachers of mathematics, participants will explore
the nature of algebraic thinking and develop strategies for encouraging
the development of algebraic thinking in their students. Through
readings, video clips, and examination of student work, participants
will learn to: 1) recognize and build on opportunities for algebraic
thinking in a variety of mathematics contexts; 2) analyze their
students' algebraic thinking; and 3) pose questions that encourage
the development of algebraic thinking. Participants will also produce
a lesson plan that incorporates the key concepts of the course.
MA-04 Using Real Data in Math Classrooms
Technology tools and
web-based materials provide important ways for math educators to
meet local and national standards that emphasize problem solving
and making connections between mathematics, other disciplines and
the real world. This course will enable middle and high school
math teachers the opportunity to explore a range of web-based resources
and exemplary projects which utilize technology to support these
goals. Participants will learn how to find sources of real data
on the web and explore technology tools that help students model,
analyze, visualize and make sense of these data. Participants will
complete the course with a collection of resources and beginning
project ideas that serve their curricular goals.
MA-05 Using Technology in the Elementary Math Classroom
In this
course, participants will explore technologies that can be used
in elementary math instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Participants will review NCTM and state standards and examine the
ways in which tools like virtual manipulatives, calculators, spreadsheet
programs, online data sources, and applets can support these goals.
In particular, the course will address ways in which technology
can support elementary algebra, geometry, and data analysis standards.
Participants will leave the course with complete lesson plans for
integrating technology into instruction in their own classrooms.
MA-06 Using Models to Understand Fractions
This course provides an opportunity for teachers of grades 3 through 5 to explore how mathematical models can be used to promote a deep understanding of fractions and fractional relationships. All too often, students are taught mechanical ways to make sense out of fractions, whether in the form of an addition algorithm or a procedure that produces equivalent fractions. This course offers alternative ideas for fraction instruction and is premised on the belief that students can come to understand fractions in a number of different ways. Completion of a student interview and a final project are integral parts of this course. A variety of readings, applets, and videos form the content of this course, and participants are expected to share ideas with their online colleagues in the discussion forums.
MA-07 Algebraic Thinking in the Elementary School
This course will enable you to learn how to include opportunities in the upper elementary curriculum for children to think about basic algebraic concepts, and to appreciate the importance of algebraic thinking. You will read and discuss relevant research on the importance of algebraic thinking in elementary school instruction and explore a variety of problems that can be used with your students to develop their algebraic thinking. You will investigate student misconceptions about the sign “=” and why this is such a pivotal concept in elementary mathematics. For the final project, you will learn how to design and “algebrafy” activities which encourage algebraic thinking that can be immediately integrated into your classroom practice.
MA-08 Proportional Reasoning
In this course, you will learn about different components and levels of proportional reasoning. You will complete classroom tasks that illustrate ways to help your students develop stronger conceptual understanding about the components of proportional reasoning. You will explore both video and written examples of student work and will conduct a student interview in order to reflect on how students approach proportional reasoning and how to identify evidence of proportional reasoning among students. For the final project, you will create a lesson that targets a component of proportional reasoning and incorporates questioning techniques learned in the course. You will also provide a rationale for the lesson that relates to the material learned in the course and reflect on your own learning.
MA-09 A Conceptual Introduction to Functions: Using Visual Models
In this course, you will learn strategies to help students in grades 6-8 develop a strong conceptual understanding of function through the use of several different visual models. You will become familiar with common student misconceptions related to functions, as well as classroom tasks that address these misconceptions. You will complete and create classroom tasks that will allow your students to make connections between multiple representations of functions and to explore both linear and non-linear functions. In addition, you will explore the use of technology in supporting student learning about functions and will learn to use an analysis tool to evaluate various online applets. Your final project will be to develop a classroom activity that incorporates the use of technology focused on students’ conceptual understanding of function, and you will reflect on your learning in the course.
MA-10 Promoting Mathematical Discourse in Grades K-4
Ask a group of elementary school students to name a language, and chances are they will not reply “mathematics.” Yet from the time young children begin going to school, they are expected to discuss their mathematical thinking using the vocabulary, structures, and ideas of mathematics. In this module, participants will learn why communicating about mathematics is important for young students, as well as why it can be so difficult for them. They will consider how math and literacy instruction intersect in the elementary classroom, and explore ways of pushing students to explain their thinking beyond “I just know the answer.” Participants will learn questioning strategies that can help students communicate, justify, and defend their mathematical ideas, and watch videos of real classroom teachers using these strategies. By the end of this module, participants will have created a lesson plan that integrates communication-based activities into their elementary math instruction.
Courses Under Development
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