The Missing Link in the Private Universe

Beginning Thursday March 7th

Initial Meeting on the Tech Campus at 6:00 pm

Mid-Term Meeting to be determined

Final Meeting to be determined

Course Description

The Missing Link in the Private Universe is a combination of two professional development seminars combined into one graduate level course. The Private Universe Project explores how mathematics teaching can be structured to match the thinking of children K-12. The Missing Link seminar investigates the concepts identified by TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) as crucial to the future success of students.

In the Missing Link and Private Universe seminars, participants will be investigating student understanding and growth in mathematics. Participants will have the opportunity to view students as they grow and progress in mathematics, to discuss current research in mathematics education, to examine your mathematics lessons, and to examine current curriculum materials.

In this course, participants will watch 15 hours of video, participate in on-line discussions, participate in on-site interviews, use students to attempt different activities and strategies, and create a portfolio that shows your views about student growth in mathematical power.

Participants in this course must apply for admission to the Arkansas Tech University Graduate Studies Program. Each participant will need to supply an official transcript and proof of immunizations.

This class session is limited to 25 participants. Register now! and send a $50 deposit to reserve your place in the class. Each participant will be required to pay a total of $140 in tuition and fees. The rest of the class is funded by a grant from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program and Arkansas Tech University.

Course Purpose and Goals

Learn more mathematics content
Recognize key mathematical ideas with which students are grappling
Appreciate the power and complexity of student thinking
Ask questions of students that will help them deepen their mathematical understanding
Analyze a particular activity to uncover the mathematics students will learn from it
Define and select mathematical objectives for their students
Make more mathematical connections for teachers, enhancing their ability to help students do the same
Learn how to continue learning about children and mathematics

Course Content

Private Universe Project

Following Children's Ideas in Mathematics
Are you Convinced? - Proof Making
Inventing Notations - Transition toward Algebra
Thinking Like a Mathematician
Building on Useful Ideas
Possibilities of Real-Life Problems

The Missing Link

Proportionality and Similar Figures
Patterns and Functions
Polygons and Angles
Sampling and Probability

Class Activities

Case Discussions
Viewing Videotapes
Math Activities
Exploring Innovative Curricular Materials
Discussing Related Research

Evaluation

30% Class Participation

50% Portfolio

Readings, Sample Student Work, Case Studies, Class Reflections

10% Mid-Term Interview

10% Final Interview

Cost of this class

This course is partially funded 58.8% or $15,480 by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program, U.S. Department of Education, and partially funded by Arkansas Tech University 28.3% or $7,570. Each participant in the course will pay tuition and fees in the amount of $140. This will amount to 13% of the total funding. The course is limited to 25 participants only.

Registration Form

For more information send a message to bill.mullins@mail.atu.edu

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