Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Education

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MSTE 5220
Descriptive
Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Education
Department
Mathematics & Science Teaching
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
5.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
28
Contact Hours
Seminar: 3 hours per week Online participation: 3 hours per week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Seminar
Hybrid
Learning Activities

This course will be run in a seminar format.  Participants will be required to pre-read materials in order to prepare for in-class discussion of the issues.  Discussion will take place both face-to-face during scheduled class times and online via discussion groups.

Course Description
This course will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues in mathematics and science education. Topics may vary according to interests of the group, but will address such concerns as assessment, gender issues, learning theories and the use of technology.
Course Content

Topics will vary according to the specific interests of the group, but will include consideration of issues related to:  Assessment, gender, learning theories (e.g. radical constructivism, embodied cognition, learner-generated examples, cognitive conflict/misconceptions) and technology.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, successful participants will be able to:

  • Describe current issues in mathematics and science education
  • Use library databases and the internet  to identify appropriate sources of information
  • Critically analyze and discuss these issues with peers
  • Present reasoned arguments in writing to support well-informed views on these issues
  • Reflect on the relationship of these issues to their own practice of teaching.
  • Identify particular issues in mathematics and/or science education of personal relevance and formulate a plan to address these issues through a project or project(s) that will be implemented for the MSTE 5230 course.
Means of Assessment

Specific course evaluation procedures will be provided to participants in the first week of classes.  Such procedures will be consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy and will be formative in nature, consisting of some or all of the following:

Seminar participation 0-25%
Weekly online postings/responses 0-25%
Presentations 0-25%
Project Proposal 10%
Assignments (e.g. journal, lesson plans, article analysis, web research, projects) 40-70%
Textbook Materials

None.  Reference material will be accessible online, provided by the instructor or available in the library.

Prerequisites

Acceptance to program