Course Number: | EDU 5626 C03 |
Instructor: | Laura Terry |
Location: | Online using Canvas |
Dates and Times: | Monday, June 12, 2023 to Monday, September 4, 2023 |
Credits: | 3 Graduate Credits |
Tuition: | $1,195 |
This course focuses on the importance of providing all students with explicit numeracy instruction, using a math workshop approach. This approach utilizes engaging learning opportunities, hands-on and concrete, in order for students to develop their own sense and understanding of number. By actively taking the time to explore, think, and share their own experiences and “ah-ha” moments with mathematics, all students will be able to grow and develop their own conceptual understanding of number, and how numbers work. This understanding will lead to more confident young mathematicians in today’s world.
This course is designed to prepare and guide educators through the understandings and processes necessary to successfully implement the math workshop approach into their math curriculum. As educators who develop and teach these vital conceptual mathematical lessons, you will experience, first-hand, how it feels to “struggle” and “overcome” mathematical challenges. Both “struggling” and “overcoming” need to happen during math instruction. These are crucial processes all learners need to experience in order to successfully persevere. As educators, we are life-long leaners, and need to experience these feelings as well. Throughout this course, you will encounter experiences which will allow you to think and evaluate “deep” math problems and effective thinking strategies.
“By designing instruction that supports students as thinkers, creators, and problem solvers grappling with important mathematical ideas, we feed two birds with one piece of bread, preparing learners for their futures as both mathematicians and citizens of the world.” (Hoffer, 2012)
Testimonials:
"The ideas presented in this class about math workshop have helped me to solidify my ideas about being constructivist in my approach to teaching math... Math workshop is about that deeper level of understanding that I want to give my students and about helping teachers shift their focus from telling to guiding."
- K-6 Math Specialist
"This course not only provided me with research proven strategies and insights but applicable changes that I could easy share with teachers to assist in making small steps in shifting classroom instruction away from being teacher led and directed and towards individualized student led and focused workshops. I am walking away from this course with the idea that teachers are the facilitators or coaches and not the keepers of all of the knowledge in the classroom."
- Elementary School Math Coach
"...this course really verified what I always know in the back of my mind, which is that grouping kids homogeneously really robs students of so much opportunity for discourse and collaboration... I think that a big takeaway from this course and book for me is the importance of creating a community and culture that supports risk taking, recognizes that value of mistakes, and expects that all students can work with each other."
- 4th and 5th Grade Teacher
Student Expectations and Goals:
Learning Outcomes:
Required Texts:
Costs for required texts are not included in the course tuition.
The Text: Minds on Mathematics: Using Math Workshop to Develop Deep Understanding in Grades 4-8 by Wendy Ward Hoffer (2012)
In addition, articles will also be provided by the instructor.
Please Note:
*Although this text indicates Grades 4-8, this course is intended to address Grades K-12. This text is carefully and specifically modified accordingly throughout the duration of this course to successfully address multiple grade and ability levels.
Laura Terry
(802) 849-2225
Center for Schools Team
(802) 468-1325