Course Description

These field-based courses focus on elementary and middle school mathematics, science, and mathematics pedagogy with emphasis on instructional strategies and models, the use of technology in the learning/teaching process, effective practices, professionalism, curriculum, and lesson design. Different teaching strategies include: appropriate use of creative approaches to the learning/teaching process, cooperative learning, direct instruction, inquiry, concept attainment, etc. An important component of this field-based block of classes is the course time spent in active participation in field (classroom) experiences

Course Objectives

• Learners are able to describe learning and thinking in elementary and middle mathematics.
• Learners will be able to develop curriculum and use effective instructional planning skills.
• Learners will be able to develop appropriate assessment tools to assess students learning.
• Learners will be able to use assessment data to design appropriate learning activities.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans that involve students in an active learning environment.
• Learners will be able to develop and implement effective teaching strategies.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate national standards in mathematics and technology applications.
• Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate state standards in mathematics and technology applications.

·         Learners will be able to develop and implement learning environments that utilize various teaching/learning strategies.

• Learners will be able to develop learning activities that involve the infusion of technology.       

Class Participation

Students should participate in all activities of this course. It is important that students should meet all the deadlines as posted. In case of any emergency situation (like death or illness in family and so on) it is important that the student should report the same to the professor in a timely manner. It is your course and the primary intention should be to reach the goals and acquire proficiency in the topics discussed in the course. Although in general students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than attendance, absences may lower the student’s grade where class attendance and class participation are deemed essential.

Excessive tardiness or absence (as determined by the professor), disruptive attitude, or failure to consistently class requirements might result in instructor-drop, if required. Being repeatedly late for class will also result in a grade reduction regardless of other marks. Tardiness will result in loss of classroom disposition points and three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

Each student brings a unique perspective and life experience to the learning environment and is expected to actively and thoughtfully participate by making pertinent contributions. All students are expected to read assignments and be prepared to discuss them. Note that you are provided with focus questions that are designed to structure your reading of the assigned texts. Moreover, additional readings may be assigned by the course instructor. Participating in class discussions and following expectations is a part of grade.  Please come to class with questions or issues from the reading that you found central or worthy of further exploration. Students may also be asked to do activities and exercises related to the assigned readings or to lead discussions on a topic or reading. You will have many opportunities to participate in class and on D2L, and such is a very important part of this course.

Online Computer Requirements

It is your responsibility to have (or have access to) a working computer in this class. Assignments are due by the due date, and personal computer technical difficulties will not be considered reason for the instructor to allow students extra time to submit assignments, tests, or discussion postings. Computers are available on campus in various areas of the buildings as well as the Academic Success Center. Your computer being down is not an excuse for missing a deadline!! There are many places to access your class! Our online classes can be accessed from any computer in the world which is connected to the internet. Contact your instructor immediately upon having computer trouble. If you have technical difficulties in the course, there is also a student helpdesk available to you. The college cannot work directly on student computers due to both liability and resource limitations however they are able to help you get connected to our online services. For help, log into D2L. 

Absence Policy - Professional teachers are dependable, reliable, and responsible. Therefore, candidates are expected to be on time and in attendance at every class, and to stay for the entire class. Tardiness, leaving early, and excessive absences (3) are considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously. Candidates will receive a grade of F on the third absence. If a candidate is taking ‘blocked’ courses that are taught at a Professional Development School, requiring field experience, the candidate will be dropped with an F from those classes as well.

 After an absence from the course it is imperative that a student schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss attendance.  Failure to schedule and attend a conference will result in the loss of classroom participation and disposition points and also in grade being lowered by one letter.  It is the candidate’s responsibility to make up any missed work.  It is also expected that you will complete all course field experience hours in a professional manner.  Professional conduct is expected when observing or participating in school settings (e.g., dressing appropriately, arriving on time, remaining for the entire pre-arranged time, not canceling, and demonstrating respect in all interactions with young people, parents, teachers, and staff).  If you must miss your field experience for any reason, you are expected to call the school and the teacher you are working with before school begins for the day.  You must also contact the course instructor by e-mail or phone to let me know you will not be present and arrange a time with me when we can discuss the most appropriate way to make up that absence.  Excessive tardiness (determined by the professor) can be defined as an absence and subject to the absentee policy.  Three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

In the event that a class member is absent, for whatever reason, that individual assumes responsibility for contacting the instructor to account for missed work and to turn in work. It is impossible to provide a summary of all that takes place during any given class via email. If a student is going to be absent, they have the responsibility to contact the instructor to turn in assignments and obtain copies of any handouts from the missed class.  Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. While the actual due dates may vary due to the flow of the class, all assignment due dates will be finalized and announced in class well in advance of the specific date. Late work, unless arrangements are made by the student and approved in advance by the instructor, will not be accepted for full credit.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.