MAE 3823C - Teaching Algebra in Middle School with Practicum

4 credits
Prerequisites: Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Education program or special permission from the Dean of the School of Education; EDG 4004 , EDG 3410 and EDM 3230 -all with a grade of “C” or better; and prior to enrolling in any upper level course (course number beginning with a 3 or 4), students must complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better: ENC 1101 - Composition I , ENC 1102 - Composition II , and three semester hours of college level mathematics; or permission from the appropriate academic Dean This course is required in the undergraduate Middle Grades Mathematics Education program.
This course is designed to develop a background for the middle school mathematics teacher to understand the relationship between the brain and learning, the meaning of conceptual change, some of the historic symbolic language, the geometric terms used for shapes and simple relationships, the significance for readiness of abstract thought, and the importance of variety in teaching through presentations that utilize technology and connections to out-of-school experiences. The course will emphasize the constructivist approach and the teaching of solving problems mathematically. The course will utilize National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards and Sunshine State Standards (SSS) in problem solving in algebraic and geometric applications as well as applications with basic numerical operations. This course includes a 35-hour practicum in a middle grades algebra classroom.