Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 375 D100

Struggle with Mathematics: Sources and Recovery (3)

Class Number: 1449

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Causes of Mathematics risk and anxiety from both a conceptual and a dispositional point of view. Exploration of different remediation strategies. Enhancement of personal mathematical skills through immersion in a problem-solving environment. The role of mathematical competence in society and job market. This course is designed for prospective secondary teachers not working in a Mathematics or Science specialization. As such, students with sufficient credit to receive a minor in Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry will not receive credit for this course. Students who have credit for or are currently enrolled in EDUC 415 or EDUC 475 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This class will be delivered remotely Mondays from 2:30pm to 5:20pm.  Please plan to be available during these hours. The first half of the class will involve whole-class and/or group on-line interactions through Canvas and/or Zoom. The second half will mostly involve activities and readings that can be done off-line.


This course will explore causes of mathematics risk and anxiety from both a conceptual and a dispositional point of view. A variety of different remediation strategies will be examined and various methods for approaching the teaching and learning of mathematics will be modelled and explored in order to minimize or alleviate anxiety. It is expected that students’ mathematical ability will be enhanced through immersion in a problem-solving environment. The role of mathematical competence in society and the job market will also be discussed. Through engagement with selected readings, classroom discussion, and collaborative inquiry, students will explore and develop their own beliefs and values about mathematics in an educational setting, while being cognizant of the impact of mathematics anxiety.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

On completion of the course, the participants will have increased awareness of the nature and impact of mathematical anxiety, and will have developed strategies for recognising and addressing anxiety both within the k-12 school environment, as well as within society more broadly.

Grading

  • Report on Mathematical Experiences 10%
  • Reading Extensions (4 x 10%) 40%
  • Mathematics Portfolios (3 x 10%) 30%
  • Annotated Resources (2 x 10%) 20%

NOTES:

Given the on-line nature of the course, the assignments and grading have been modified in order to fit best practises for on-line delivery, which include assigning more frequent but smaller assignments.

There is no final exam for this course.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students will need access to a computer/tablet and internet during the class time.

REQUIRED READING:

There is no dedicated textbook for this course.

Required Readings for EDUC 375 will include a combination of journal articles and book chapters that have been selected to support the aims of this course. These readings can be downloaded each week from Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.