Fall 2018 - EDUC 942 G001

Contemporary Theories and Methodologies in Mathematics Education (5)

Class Number: 1967

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 4:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Contemporary theories and methodologies in mathematics education will be examined and analysed. Developing an overview of mathematics education as an evolving research domain will be focal.

COURSE DETAILS:

Theory: Contemporary theoretical frameworks will be introduced, discussed and critiqued. The focus will be on theories that describe and explain how mathematical knowledge is acquired. 

Methodology: Contemporary methodologies will be introduced, discussed and critiqued. 

Subject matter: Initially, research in mathematics education focused on topics of elementary mathematics, such as addition and subtraction, fractions or word problems. It is only recently that research reached more advanced topics and concepts. Following an overview of the existing research students will chose a topic or a concept as a focus for their in-depth investigation. In addition, issues that cut across specific subject matter topics – such as proof, generalization or problem solving – will be examined.

Grading

  • Weekly reading and written/oral report on readings 30%
  • Research report: Students will undertake a small study, using one of the theoretical framings discussed in class. Students may gather their own data or re-analyse existing data. Reports will be presented to the class. 30%
  • Research paper: Students will conduct a critical review of literature on a topic of choice in mathematics education. Topics will range. Students will present first drafts of their papers in class. 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


 

REQUIRED READING:

NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE.
Students will be refered to selected chapters available for download

Leathan, K.R. (Ed) (2013). Vital directions for mathematics education research. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.
Sriraman B. & L. English (2010). Theories of Mathematics Education: Seeking New Frontiers. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. 

Weekly readings will be provided by the instructor 


RECOMMENDED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING:

Lave, J. and Wenger, E. Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521423740 

Lakoff, G., & Núñez, R. E. (2000). Where mathematics comes from: How the embodied mind brings mathematics into being. New York: Basic Books. ISBN-10: 0465037712 

Papert, S. (1980). Mindstorms: Children, computers and powerful ideas. New York: Basic Books. ISBN: 0465046746 

Sfard, A. (2008). Thinking as communicating: Human development, the growth of discourses and mathematizing. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10: 0521867371 


Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS