Main Content
Syllabus
MTHED 520: Analysis of Research in Mathematics Education
Overview | Objectives | Topics | Materials | Library Resources | Technical Requirements | Course Requirements and Grading | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Accomodating Disabilities | Additional Policies
Overview
Analysis of Research in Mathematics Education (3) Survey of the status of knowledge about mathematics learning and instruction, K-12; analysis of research procedures; instruments for evaluating research.
Prerequisite: MTHED 412W or MTHED 420; 3 credits in statistics; teaching experience.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand contemporary reserch on the teaching and learning of mathematics with respect to specific foci within understanding of mathematics, artifacts used in mathematics instruction, the teaching of mathematics, and affective issues in the teaching and learning of mathematics.
- Apply mathematics education research to mathematics education of students in grades K through 12.
- Understand major constructs used in research on the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Topics
- MODULE 1: MATHEMATICS
- Lesson 1: What is mathematics?
- MODULE 2: UNDERSTANDING MATHEMATICS
- Lesson 2: What does it mean to understand mathematics?
- Lesson 3: Understanding mathematical understanding
- Lesson 4: Understanding the mathematics in students' explanations
- Lesson 5: Representations
- MODULE 3: UNDERSTANDING GROWTH IN MATHEMATICAL UNDERSTANDING: LEVELS OF UNDERSTANDING
- Lesson 6: Van Hiele Levels
- Lesson 7: Transition from arithmetic to algebra
- Lesson 8: Process-object perspectives and the case of function
- MODULE 4: ARTIFACTS FOR LEARNING MATHEMATICS
- Class #9: Enacting a mathematics curriculum: Process and curriculum tasks
- Class #10: Roles of examples in mathematics instruction
- Class #11: The teaching and learning of mathematics in the context of mathematics-specific technology
- MODULE 5: MATHEMATICS TEACHING
- Class #12: Constructs that describe mathematics teaching: Hypothetical learning trajectories
- Class #13: Mathematics teaching noticing
- Class #14: Understanding mathematics teaching
- MODULE 6: AFFECTIVE FACTORS IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING
- Class #15: Mathematical identity and success in mathematics learning
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.MTHED 520 has no required textbook. You will be expected to complete readings that will available within the course (embedded) or on library reserve.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Requirements
Operating System | Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
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Browser | Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. |
Additional Canvas Requirements | For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications. |
Additional Software | All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. |
Hardware | Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
Mobile Device (optional) | The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements. |
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Requirements and Grading
Assignment Types | Weight (%) |
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Ungraded Quizzes | 5% |
Ungraded Posts | 10% |
Responses to Posts | 5% |
Linking Research and Practice Notes | 10% |
Graded Posts | 25% |
End-of-Module Papers | 15% |
Major Paper | 30% |
100% |
Grading Scale
Letter Grade | Range (%) |
---|---|
A | 93 to 100 |
A- | 90 to < 93 |
B+ | 87 to < 90 |
B | 83 to < 87 |
B- | 80 to < 83 |
C+ | 77 to < 80 |
C | 70 to < 77 |
D | 60 to < 70 |
F | 0 to < 60 |
- Course length: 15 weeks
Getting Started
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 1: MATHEMATICS
Lesson 1: What is Mathematics?
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 2: UNDERSTANDING MATHEMATICS
Lesson 2: What Does It Mean to Understand Mathematics?
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 3: Understanding Mathematical Understanding
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 4: Understanding the Mathematics in Students' Explanations
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 5: Representations
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 3: UNDERSTANDING GROWTH IN MATHEMATICAL UNDERSTANDING: LEVELS OF UNDERSTANDING
Lesson 6: Van Hiele Levels
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 7: Transition from Arithmetic to Algebra
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 8: Process-object Perspectives and the Case of Function
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 4: ARTIFACTS FOR LEARNING MATHEMATICS
Lesson 9: Enacting a Mathematics Curriculum: Process and Curriculum Tasks
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 10: Roles of Examples in Mathematics Instruction
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 11: The Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in the Context of Mathematics-Specific Technology
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 5: MATHEMATICAL TEACHING
Lesson 12: Constructs that Describe Mathematics Teaching: Hypothetical Learning Trajectories
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 13: Mathematics Teacher Noticing
Activities and Assignments: |
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Lesson 14: Understanding Mathematics Teaching
Activities and Assignments: |
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MODULE 6: AFFECTIVE FACTORS IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Lesson 15: Mathematical Identify and Success in Mathematics Learning
Activities and Assignments: |
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Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
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Academic Integrity
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In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
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Additional Policies
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- Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.