Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - EDUC 313 D100

Numeracy and Society (3)

Class Number: 5157

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Conceptions of numeracy in contemporary society; consequences of innumeracy; enhancing personal numeracy skills; examination of numeracy across the curriculum. This course is designed for students NOT working in a Mathematics or Science specialization. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is about numeracy and its importance. This is neither a mathematics course nor a course to review topics studied in high school. The intent of this course is for non-mathematics specialists to be able to see how mathematics can enhance the teaching and understanding of all subjects, and that "numeracy is everybody’s business" (Mason, 2009).

Numeracy can be referred to as 'mathematics in action'. Numeracy is not a curriculum item, but a disposition – an ability and a willingness to apply and communicate mathematical knowledge and procedures in novel and meaningful situations. Development of this disposition cannot be restricted to mathematical classroom alone: it is a cross-curriculum agenda.

The rationale for this course is threefold: (a) to examine the evolving conceptions of numeracy in contemporary society and the consequences of innumeracy, (b) to reflect on personal experiences as a learner enhancing numeracy skills, and (c) to examine how numeracy can be enhanced in different aspects of curriculum.

Development of numeracy skills is heavily dependent on the experiences one has. This course will provide numeracy-rich experiences to its students through their immersion in a problem-solving environment in which they explore numeracy in society and come to experience the wonders of mathematical discovery.

This course is designed to be taken with on-line support via Canvas. Please bring your own device.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, the serious student will be able to:

  • Obtain an enriched understanding of numeracy in society
  • Begin to make sense of own past experiences with numeracy
  • Develop an enriched understanding of what it means to promote numeracy in their teaching
  • Become a teacher that is comfortable working with students within the wonderfully unpredictable realm of numeracy

Grading

  • Assignments 50%
  • Portfolio 20%
  • Final Project 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Participation is mandatory for this course. This will take three forms – attendance, enthusiastic group work, and genuine involvement in discussions, both virtually and physically. If class is missed for either a foreseeable or unforeseeable reason, the material presented in class will need to be engaged with independently via Canvas, and the weekly assignment will need to be submitted. A large part of every lesson will involve small group work and whole class discussion. Involvement in both of these is expected.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be provided by the instructor.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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