Syllabus: MTHT 450

Concepts in Elementary School Mathematics I Fall 1998

John T. Baldwin

August 25, 1998

Class meets 5-8 Mondays.

This course considers important concepts presented in the elementary school curriculum. We will consider both the mathematics linking various concepts and methods of presenting these concepts to students. Here are some of the topics to be considered: counting, measurement, area and perimeter, estimation and approximation, ratio, mathematical reasoning, the arithmetic operations. Considerable attention will be given to using manipulatives to develop understanding and to methods of assessment in elementary school mathematics. There will also be some use of computer activities and of the internet. Each student should have a UIC computer account before the second class.

The home page for this class is at www.math.uic.edu/∼jbaldwin; then follow your nose.

Materials: There is no text but there will be reading assignments.

A calculator is required. Only TI-8X are directly supported.

There will be homework assignments weekly, a midterm (October 5) and a final project. Homework will be accepted only on the due date, since it will be discussed in class that day.

The grade will be based 40% on the final project, 20% on the weekly homework, 25% on the midterm and 15% on class participation.

Office hours M-W-F at 10. I will also hold office hours from 4-5 on Monday; but this session will be cancelled for some departmental colloquia.

Feel free to e-mail me at jbaldwin@uic.edu or phone to make an appointment to discuss any difficulties that arise. Office: 417 SEO. Office phone: 312-413-2149