C & I 432: An Investigative Approach to Elementary Mathematics Instruction

All sections meet in 4G Education Building

Course Overview:
This course examines an investigative approach to teaching elementary mathematics. Stated another way, what does it mean to teach mathematics in an investigative or inquiry-based manner? This course attempts to answer this question by engaging in a variety of tasks including the analysis of standards documents, mathematics lessons (video vignettes and classroom observations), student work (or student thinking), curricula materials, and planning and teaching lessons. As well, the course will consider the rationale for such an approach and it will call upon your knowledge of how children learn mathematics and the mathematics required (C&I 331 or 431) to be an effective teacher of elementary mathematics.

Course Goals:

1. To examine, illustrate, and model various approaches to teaching elementary mathematics
2. To participate in cooperative learning and collaborative lesson planning experiences
3. To explore how assessment is an integral part of instruction
4. To deepen understanding of mathematics and children’s mathematical learning
5. To consider how mathematics instruction can meet the needs of diverse learners in a democratic society
6. To empower and foster confidence in teaching inquiry-based mathematics
7. To investigate instructional technologies appropriate for teaching and learning mathematics