MASTER OF ARTS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (M.A.)
Director: Raymond Lee
Sir Isaac Newton made the
statement, ŇIf I have seen further than others, it is because I have stood on
the shoulder of giants.Ó In this
statement, Sir Isaac Newton gave the essence of mathematics; it is a body of
knowledge accumulated through cultural and historical development, and it is a
shared experience.
Program Description
The MasterŐs of Arts in Mathematics
Education Program seeks to build upon the undergraduate degree through the
extension of the width and breadth of studentsŐ mathematics background and
through the enhancement of those skills and attributes which assist in the
improvement of learning and teaching.
The programŐs conceptual framework is based upon the premise of
extending the experienced teacherŐs instructional background in those subject
areas that are pertinent to the secondary curriculum: function, algebra, and
geometry. The extension of the
instructional background is contained within the casing of problem solving and
research. Problem solving and
research should promote data collection, analysis, reflective thought,
conjecture, and assessment which provide collaborative leadership to other
experienced practitioners. The
growth will be demonstrated through the capstone project of the Portfolio and
the comprehensive exams.
Program Goals
The educational objectives of the program are
1. to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of mathematics;
2. to enable students through study to appreciate both the aesthetic and practical aspects of mathematics.
3. to provide experiences that will help students see that they will need to have a variety of teaching and learning strategies available at all times;
4. to provide students with current theories regarding the psychological development of the learner, and an understanding of human dynamics found in the home, the school, and the community;
5. to demonstrate methods of evaluating student learning, textbooks, curriculum educational techniques, and the educational process as a whole;
6. to prepare students to deal with a diverse population that has a broad spectrum of needs, aspirations, and expectations for themselves and others;
7. to provide a consideration of societal needs that are satisfied by applications of and careers based on mathematics and technology; and
8. to stress the importance to a teaching professional of keeping abreast of current trends in mathematics education through the reading of professional journals and participation in mathematics workshops, institutes, conferences, professional meetings, and inservice programs.
|
Requirements
for a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education |
Sem.
Hrs. |
|
Required
Professional Studies Core EDN 5500. Applied Educational Psychology EDN 5650. Applied Philosophy of Education EDN 5660. Applied Educational Research |
9 |
|
Specialty
Area Requirements |
|
|
Mathematics Education MAT 5000 Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Mathematics Education MAT 5010 Theoretical Bases of
Math Instruction |
6 |
|
Mathematics 1. Analysis (6 hrs) Choose 2 of the 3 below; others may be used as electives MAT 5230 Real Analysis MAT 5320 Advanced Calculus for the Math Teacher MAT 5440 Complex Analysis for the Math Teacher 2. Algebra and Number Theory (3 hrs) Choose one of the 3 below; others may be used as electives MAT 5120 Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra MAT 5150 Topics in Number Theory MAT 5260 Special Topics in Abstract Algebra 3. Geometry and Topology (3 hrs) Choose 1 of the 2 below; the other may be used as an electives MAT 5100 Point Set Topology (offered on alternate years.) MAT 5110 Advanced Topics in Geometry (offered on alternate years.) 4. Applied Mathematics (3 hrs) MAT 5030 Elements of Problem Solving (required) 5. Mathematics Electives (3-6 hrs) May be chosen from math courses in above 4 sections or those listed below MAT 5020 History of Mathematics (if not taken as an undergraduate) MAT 5060 Statistics and Probability for Math Teachers MAT 5070 Discrete Mathematics for Math Teachers CSC 5050 Current Topics in Computers in Education 6. Thesis (0-3 hrs) option may replace 3 semester hours of the math electives. MAT 6000 Thesis in Mathematics Education |
21 |
|
|
Total |
NOTE: For EDN course descriptions, see listings in the M.A.Ed. program.
COURSES
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT (CSC/MAT)
CSC 5050. Current Topics in Computers in Education (MAT 5040)
An inservice course in the comparison and evaluation of computer hardware configurations and computer software packages for the classroom. The mechanics of setting up a computer network. A consideration of the effect that computers in the classroom have on curriculum development. A laboratory experience will be an integral part of the course.
CSC 5080. Computer Graphics for the Mathematics Teacher
This course introduces graphics appropriate to classroom settings at the pre‑college level. Graphics that will be dealt with include various algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric relations. Methods that will be used include direct programming as well as the introduction of commercially available software designed for this purpose.
CSC 5090. Programming and Algorithms for the Mathematics Teacher I
Techniques for problem solving in a mathematical setting through programming in a high level language. The efficiency of algorithms and the design of programs are considered. CSC 2020 or its equivalent is required background for this course.
CSC 5100. Programming and Algorithms for the Mathematics Teacher II
Advanced techniques for problem solving in a mathematics setting through programming in a high level language. Emphasis is given to data structures and object-oriented design. An individual in-depth programming project including design, implementation, testing, and documentation of each phase is required. PREREQ: CSC 5090 or instructor permission.
CSC 5110. Computer Hardware in an Educational Setting
A study of the various components that make up computer configurations in public school settings. Comparison of the various types of computer hardware available for use in the school. Particular attention will be given to evaluation of hardware for laboratory situations with both individual and networking of computers and computer terminals.
CSC 5120. Database Management for Teachers
Goals of DBMS including data independence, relationships, logical organizations, schema and subschema. Designing databases including lossless join, dependence preserving normal form decompositions. Using relational database management systems. Constructing applications which include databases. Data integrity and reliability. As announced. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: CSC 5100 or permission of instructor and program coordinator.
CSC 5130. Computer Systems for Teachers
Basic logic design; sequential circuits; digital storage and access. Computer structure, machine and assembly language, and addressing modes. I/O and interrupt structure. Operating system concepts. Examples from microcomputer operating systems. As announced. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: CSC 5100 or permission of instructor and program coordinator.
MAT 5000. Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Mathematics Education
A critical study of current issues, trends, and the design and evaluation of curriculum in mathematics education. Students will develop, use, and evaluate a teaching unit as a major part of the work in this course. Required of all masterŐs candidates in mathematics education.
MAT 5010. Theoretical Bases of Mathematics Instruction
An advanced study of the theoretical bases of mathematical instruction, including philosophical and psychological concerns. Instructional theories from the field of mathematics education will be examined, together with the research that supports these theories.
MAT 5020. History of Mathematics
A historical development of selected topics in mathematics from ancient to modern times. Systems of numeration, geometrical notions, and the development of algebra and analysis with motivational and pedagogical relevance will be given emphasis. Credit will not be allowed for MAT 5020 if student has credit for an undergraduate course in the History of Mathematics.
MAT 5030. Elements of Problem Solving
This course strengthens the studentŐs mathematical problem‑solving ability by extensive work with non‑routine problems that can be solved by elementary methods. General strategies for creative problem‑solving will be emphasized. Meaningful ways of dealing with such problems in the secondary school classroom will constitute a significant part of the course. Required of all masterŐs candidates in mathematics education.
MAT 5040. Current Topics in Computers in Education (CSC 5050)
An inservice course in the comparison and evaluation of computer hardware configurations and computer software packages for the classroom. The mechanics of setting up a computer network. A consideration of the effect that computers in the classroom have on curriculum development. A laboratory experience will be an integral part of the course.
MAT 5050. Elements of Mathematics for the Middle Grades Teacher
The content of this course provides teachers at the middle school level with the mathematics they need in order to be effective in the classroom. Topics include sets, metric geometry, and introductory algebra. These topics will be handled from a problem‑solving point of view.
MAT 5060. Statistics and Probability for the Secondary Mathematics Teacher
The emphasis of this course will be on understanding various statistical concepts and techniques including measures of central tendency, correlation coefficients, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and inferential statistics. The fundamentals of probability that will be discussed include univariate and multivariate distributions, expectation, conditional distributions, and the law of large numbers.
MAT 5070. Discrete Mathematics for the Math Teacher
This course will stress applications of Discrete Mathematics and such discrete techniques as are now, or should be, found at the secondary level. Mathematical modeling will be an underlying concept of the course.
MAT 5100. Point Set Topology
Elements of point set topology, separation properties, compactness, connectedness, functions, Tietze extension theorem, fundamental group, and covering spaces.
MAT 5110. Advanced Topics in Geometry
Topics chosen to improve the secondary mathematics teacherŐs mastery, breadth of knowledge, and appreciation of classical geometry. Content variable, but chosen to minimize duplication with recent and current MAT 4110 classes.
MAT 5120. Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra
2‑ and 3‑dimensional linear algebra over the numbers; geometric interpretations; and topics chosen to improve secondary teachersŐ breadth in and knowledge of Linear Algebra.
MAT 5150. Topics in Number Theory
Topics chosen to improve the secondary mathematics teacherŐs mastery, breadth of knowledge, and appreciation of classical number theory. Content variable, but chosen to minimize duplication with recent and current MAT 4150 classes.
MAT 5210. Basic Ideas of Analysis I
A brief survey of the principal ideas and techniques of Calculus. Intended as a refresher course for high school teachers who feel the need for an understanding of Calculus in order to prepare their students for college work.
MAT 5220. Basic Ideas of Analysis II
A continuation of MAT 5210. This course continues developing the principal ideas and techniques of Calculus. Topics considered in 5210 and 5220 will generally coincide with topics covered in a three‑semester Calculus sequence. (Any student taking MAT 5210, and MAT 5220, will be required to take three additional semester hours of Analysis.)
MAT 5230. Real Analysis
Real number system; open and closed sets, covering properties, Borel sets. Measurable sets and measurable functions. Lebesque measure and integration, LP spaces.
MAT 5260. Special Topics in Abstract Algebra
Selected topics from group, ring, and field theory that have implications to the secondary curriculum will be chosen for study.
MAT 5320. Advanced Calculus for the Mathematics Teacher
Topics chosen to improve the secondary mathematics teacherŐs mastery, breadth of knowledge, and appreciation of advanced calculus. Content variable, but chosen to minimize duplication with recent undergraduate courses in advanced calculus.
MAT 5440. Complex Analysis for the Mathematics Teacher
Topics chosen to improve the secondary mathematics teacherŐs mastery, breadth of knowledge, and appreciation of complex analysis. Content variable, but chosen to minimize duplication with recent undergraduate courses in complex analysis.
MAT 5810. Internship in Secondary Mathematics
Ten week, full-time internship experiences in an off-campus public school setting appropriate for 9-12 Mathematics licensure. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: Approval of the Mathematics Education Program Director.
MAT 6000. Thesis in Mathematics Education
The student prepares a masters degree thesis in Mathematics Education under the direction of a thesis advisor from the Dept. of Math/CSC and the studentŐs thesis committee. Students electing to complete a thesis are still required to take the written comprehensive examinations. May be used to satisfy 3 hours of electives. PREREQ: 21 hours of Graduate Work, MAT 5000, EDN 5660, permission of Math Dept. Chair, Graduate Program Coordinator, and Graduate Dean.