EDCI 6944

Mathematics Education Seminar

Fall 2007

 

118 War Memorial Hall

alternating Thursdays 12:10-1:30pm

 

8/23

Gwen

Introduction to seminar and math ed people

9/6

Andy

We will discuss two readings:

(1)    Putting philosophy to work by Paul Cobb (Ch. 1 of the handbook) – Read pp. 1-15 and the two full sections on pp. 19-25.

(2)    ZPC and ZPD: Zones of teaching and learning by Andy Norton and Bia DÕAmbrosio. This paper relates to the Cobb piece by comparing constructs from two competing theoretical perspectives: the Zone of Proximal Development, from a sociocultural perspective;  and the Zone of Potential Construction, from a radical constructivist perspective that uses scheme theory.

9/20

Alexis and Angie

We will discuss The mathematical education and development of teachers by Judy Sowder (Ch. 5 of the handbook).

Please read the introduction (pp. 157-159) and ÒAddressing Question 4Ó (pp. 173-185) – This will be the focus of the discussion.

10/4

Jim and Gina

We will discuss two articles:

What Is Research in Mathematics Education, and What Are Its Results? Discussion Document for an ICMI Study. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 23(6), 625-629.

Thompson, T., & Dinnel, D. L. (2007). Poor performance in mathematics: Is there a basis for a self-worth explanation for women? Educational Psychology, 27(3), 377 - 399.

Discussion will focus on these questions.  

Friday 10/19 4pm

Jeff Weeks

Special public lecture

(See http://www.geometrygames.org/ and http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/video/sos/ )

11/1

Karl, Graciela, and Rosana

We will discuss Early Childhood Mathematics Learning by Doug Clements and Julie Sarama (Ch. 12 of the handbook). Page numbers TBA.

11/15

Lida

We will participate in some activities using manipulatives and discuss part of the data collected in a study of preservice teachersÕ views about manipulatives. (No reading assignment)

11/29

Betti