Course Syllabus

EDSE 660:
Teaching Mathematics with Manipulatives, Grades 7-12

I. Descriptive Information:

A. Course Number and Title: EDSE 660: Teaching Mathematics with Manipulatives, Grades 7-12

B. Catalog Description: Methods and materials for using manipulative devices to teach middle and high school level mathematics.

C. Credit: 3 hours (undergraduate or graduate)

D. Prerequisite: none

E. Intended Audience: middle and high school teachers of mathematics

F. Instructor: Dr. Ed Dickey

II. A. Goals: The professional mathematics educator will develop

1. an understanding of how manipulative devices support teaching and learning within the six strands of the South Carolina Mathematics Framework.

2. skills needed to use manipulative devices in the teaching of mathematics.

3. skills to assess if manipulative devices foster understanding of mathematics.

B. Objectives: The professional mathematics educator will:

1. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about numbers and numeration systems.

2. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about probability and statistics.

3. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about patterns, relationships, and functions.

4. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about algebra concepts and operations.

5. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about geometry and spatial sense.

6. develop skills needed to select and use manipulative devices for teaching about measurement.

7. develop the ability to construct alternative assessment techniques involving the use of manipulative devises in the teaching of mathematics.

8. identify strategies for using manipulatives in the teaching of Tech Prep mathematics.

III. Required Text and Materials:

Dickey, E. M. Course Materials for Teaching Middle and High School Mathematics with Manipulatives. University of South Carolina: 1999.

Middle and High School Mathematics Manipulatives Kit including overhead set of Algebra Lab Gear, overhead geoboard, Mira, and other devices.

IV. Academic Requirements:

1. Viewing all videotapes.

2. Completion of all homework assignments.

3. Submission of four Lab Assignments.

4. Submission of Project (graduate students only).

5. Final examination.

V. Administrative Requirements:

1. All students must have access to items in the supplied manipulative kit.

2. Submission of Lab Assignments on or before due dates (to be specified).

3. Submission of Project on or before due date.

4. Submission of a Final Examination on or before due date.

VI. Evaluation:

Grading will be on a traditional A-F scale. The Lab Assignments will account for 20% of the final grade, the Project will account for 45%, and the Final Examination will account for 35%. For undergraduate students, the Lab Assignments will account for 40% of the final grade and the Final Examination will account for 60% of the grade.

93-100=A     86-92=B+   80-85=B     76-79=C+      70-75=C     60-69=D      0-59=F

 

VII. Topics:

1. Manipulatives: What and Why?

2. Integers and Integer Arithmetic

3. Rational Numbers

4. Data Analysis

5. Probability and Statistics

6. Patterns

7. Algebra: Multiplication and Factoring

8. Algebra: Polynomial Arithmetics

9. Algebra: Equations

10. Geometry: Triangles and Polygons

11. Geometry: Transformations

12. Geometry: Solids

13. Measurement: Length, Angles and Weight

14. Measurement: Volume and Surface Area

VIII. Mode of Instruction

Fourteen videotaped lessons containing approximately 90 minutes of direct instruction and one hour of self-check activities will be provided to each student. The Course Materials book contains the Lab Assignments and supplemental readings. The course is offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. During summer sessions, lessons may be completed during the first summer session (June), during the second summer session (July), or over a combination of both summer sessions (June to early August). There will be one 3-hour class meeting in Columbia to be scheduled early each semester.