Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I

Course Number:

MTH 211

Transcript Title:

Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I

Created:

Aug 15, 2022

Updated:

Jul 12, 2023

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Major

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Not Addressed

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Not Addressed

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Improve and deepen mathematical content knowledge, including: problem solving, sets, whole numbers, number theory, and fractions.

1. Sets and Reasoning
   • 1.1 Venn Diagrams
   • 1.2 Deductive Reasoning
2. Whole numbers
   • 2.1 Numeration
   • 2.2 Addition and Subtraction
   • 2.3 Multiplication
   • 2.4 Division and Exponents
3. Number Theory
   • 3.1 Factors and Multiples
   • 3.2 Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple
4. Integers and Fractions
   • 4.1 Integers
   • 4.2 Fractions
   • 4.3 Operations with Fractions         

Outcome #2: Apply various problem-solving strategies to create mathematical models that will help analyze real world scenarios.

• Introduction to problem solving
  • Use and present an example of Polya’s Four-Step Process
  • Demonstrate the problem-solving strategies which include: drawing, guessing and checking, making a table, working backward, finding a pattern.
  • Explain the concept of conjecture
• Patterns
  • Show how patterns and sequences can be used to solve problems

Outcome #3: Use appropriate mathematical vocabulary to strengthen skills needed for communicating while teaching elementary math.

• Show how mathematical vocabulary is necessary to explain problems
• Compare and contrast non-mathematical vocabulary with proper mathematical vocabulary.

Outcome #4: Provide examples of mathematical communication that will strengthen student’s ability to reason, reflect, observe and engage more deeply in mathematical thinking.

• Demonstrate the steps (algorithms) needed for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, integers and fractions and explain how they work. 
• Explain the thought processes used for whole number operations: estimation, rounding, divisibility tests.
• Apply the definition of fraction and identify the relationship of fractions to whole numbers.
• Recognize the models for a variety of conceptual approaches for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, integers and fractions.
• Identify how application problems can be modeled mathematically.  

Suggested Texts and Materials

Mathematics for Elementary Teachers -
A Conceptual Approach by Bennett, Burton, Nelson, and Ediger