MATH& 131 Math for Elementary Education 1

5 credits

Designed for prospective elementary teachers, this course focuses on the mathematical concepts behind topics taught at the K-8 level. Topics of study include problem-solving strategies, number theory, and numeration, with an emphasis on analyzing learning difficulties and teaching strategies for these concepts. Students will improve their abilities to recognize patterns and make connections to the mathematical ideas explored, while practicing strategies for communicating mathematical concepts to others.

This course meets the Quantitative Reasoning general education distribution requirement.

Prerequisites: MATH 98  (or placement into any college-level, transferable MATH/MATH& course)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Use problem-solving models and apply them to concepts introduced throughout the course
Explore counting, place value, and numeration through a study of historical number systems
Identify and distinguish among different methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Explore math operations using manipulatives, pictorial arrays, and different bases
Apply a variety of algorithms and mental computations to solve problems dealing with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percentages
Incorporate basic number theory concepts including primes, factors, divisibility, and equality as problem-solving strategies
Identify common student errors and learning difficulties related to the course topics
Develop and practice teaching strategies for mathematical concepts
Self-assess learning and teaching experiences, and modify strategies as needed

Program Outcomes

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Critical Thinking, the ability to evaluate information, draw inferences, arrive at conclusions, and create solutions based on objective analysis of the evidence.

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50