Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - EDUC 895 G031

Conceptions of Numeracy (5)

Class Number: 8275

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    This course is designed for the MEd program in Numeracy.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explorations of the notion of numeracy and its role in contemporary society. An examination and enhancement of personal numeracy through immersion in a problem-solving environment.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is provided for students in the Community M.Ed. cohort program.

Meeting Dates:
Sept. 14, 15, 16
Sept. 28, 29, 30
Oct. 12, 13, 14
Oct. 26, 27, 28

Times:
Fridays: 5 - 9 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 - 4 pm
Sundays: 8:30 - 1 pm

Location:
Grande Prairie Regional College, 10726-106 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4

Room:
E305

COURSE RATIONALE

This introductory course is designed for the MEd program in Numeracy. The rationale for this course is twofold: (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.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Numeracy can be referred to as 'mathematics in action'. It is a response to the growing number of high school graduates who, although well educated, are not able to apply the mathematics they have learned to real life problem solving situations. Numeracy is not a curriculum item. It is not a chapter in a textbook. Numeracy is a disposition – an ability and a willingness to apply and communicate mathematical knowledge and procedures in novel and meaningful problem solving situations. As such, the development of numeracy skills is heavily dependent on the mathematical experiences one has. This course will provide numeracy-rich experiences to its students through their immersion in a problem-solving environment in which they can come to experience the wonders of mathematical discovery.

Mathematics is more than just a collection of facts and skills: the facts to be memorized and the skills to be mastered. Mathematics is an activity to be experienced and an endeavor to be pursued. It is essential for teachers to understand this aspect of mathematics in order that they can help their students to experience, first hand, the wonder of creation and discovery in mathematics. This experience is essential in an attempt to develop numeracy in learners. The course is designed to provide teachers with the opportunity to examine their own learning processes, and to draw upon these processes in order to develop meaningful learning activities that will foster an appreciation of both the utility and the aesthetics of mathematics – and as such, become more informed learners and teachers of numeracy.  

Tentative list of topics:

  • Conceptions of numeracy, relationship between numeracy and mathematics, relationship between numeracy and literacy
  • Numbers and number systems: a journey from counting pebbles to counting machines
  • Problem solving: Connecting mathematics classroom to the “real” world
  • Games of chance or how to lie with statistics
  • Beyond numbers: Mathematics in Art Humans as patterning animals
  • Numeracy around us: Examination of examples from newspapers, movies, flyers etc.
  • Innumeracy and its consequences

Grading

  • Attendance and participation in all class activities and discussions Compulsary%
  • Homework portfolio assignments (4 x 15%), as requested during class sessions, that include response to readings and problem solving tasks 60%
  • Completion of a problem solving log (journal), detailing the process, analyzing personal problem solving experiences, linking (where applicable) their experience to the research literature 20%
  • Review of a chapter or article 10%
  • Analysis of numeracy scenario 10%

NOTES:

Grading is currently tentative.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No required text.

Additional readings will be provided by the instructor.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Paulos, J. A. (1988). Innumeracy: Mathematical illiteracy and its consequences. New York: Hill & Wang.
ISBN: 9780809058402

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