Delivery, Enrollment, and Facilitation
This is a mastery-based course with no discussion forums. The course will be delivered in a fully online format. This course is non-facilitated, and is designed to be completed independently. It is self-paced, with an enrollment period of 60 days, which begins immediately upon confirmation of registration. A Help Forum is included in the course that will be carefully monitored by an online facilitator.
Description
Math in the Real World for K-8 Teachers is a course designed to support teachers as they seek to ensure students develop a conceptual understanding of the math standards being taught. The course will explore the different facets of teaching conceptually, the strands into which mathematics can be divided, and the use of real-world connections to encourage students’ growth in personal connections to the mathematics they are learning, ability to apply and transfer their learning beyond the classroom, and their appreciation of mathematics as a tool for living. The course resources will help teachers understand how conceptual understanding can impact a student’s ability to grasp and retain learning. They will also provide teachers with some tools for guiding student learning in ways that engage and encourage independent and collaborative thinking. Additionally, as teachers read and reflect upon the resources, they will have opportunities to consider both their personal strengths and weaknesses in the areas of teaching for conceptual learning and explicit teaching.
Course Outline
Session 1: Student Orientation
Session 2: What is Conceptual Learning in Mathematics?
Session 3: Mathematical Strands, Process Standards, & Strands of Math Proficiency
Session 4: Teaching Numerical Reasoning (NR) Standards
Session 5: Teaching Measurement, Geometry, and Spatial Reasoning (MGSR) Standards
Session 6: Teaching Patterns, Algebra, and Functional Reasoning (PAFR) Standards
Session 7: Teaching Data, Probability, and Statistical Reasoning (DPSR) Standards
Prerequisites
This is an intermediate level course for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers with Internet access. In addition, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and with using word processing software, email, and attachments.
Required Materials
All materials in this course are the property of the South Carolina Department of Education Office of VirtualSC PD. All course materials needed/required for the workshop are available online.