Course Syllabus
Course: MATH 2010
Division: Natural Science and MathDepartment: Mathematics
Title: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
Semester Approved: Fall 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
End Semester: Spring 2026
Catalog Description: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I is part of a series of courses designed to improve the mathematical understanding of prospective elementary teachers. Concepts covered include problem-solving, sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory, rational numbers (fractions), decimals, percents, and integers. The course will combine a thorough treatment of mathematical concepts with pedagogical philosophy to help prospective teachers learn to teach mathematics with understanding and insight.
Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: MATH 1050 with a C or better.
Justification: All elementary education programs require mathematical competency of students prior to student teaching. The series of Math for Elementary Education Courses helps students arrive at that competency. This or a similar Math for Elementary Education series is required at most four-year public institutions in Utah.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of techniques of problem solving using a variety of methods and will solve many types of problems. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles, properties, and algorithms for whole numbers and how to use them correctly. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of properties of elementary number theory and how to use them correctly. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles, properties, and algorithms for fractions / rational numbers and how to use them correctly. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles, properties, and algorithms for decimals and percents and how to use them correctly. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of principles, properties, and algorithms for integers and how to use them correctly. This outcome will be assessed through homework, exams, quizzes, and/or student projects.
Content:
•Problem solving using a variety of methods
•Understanding sets as a basis for numeration
•Whole numbers
•Properties and operations
o Computation, both written and mental
•Number Theory
•Fractions / Rational Numbers
o Understanding the concept of a fraction
o Properties and arithmetic operations
•Decimals and percents
•Integers and their properties
The use of technology including manipulatives, physical and/or virtual, is emphasized.
Key Performance Indicators:
Student learning will be evaluated primarily through daily assignments and periodic examinations. Mastery of the learning outcomes may also be evaluated by quizzes and participation in group activities.
The final grade will be computed based on mastery of the learning outcomes as assessed by exams (chapter/midterms and final), homework, classroom participation, and other related activities.
Homework 5 to 25%
Quizzes 0 to 20%
Periodic Exams 20 to 70%
Final Exam 15 to 35%
Oral/Written Projects 0 to 20%
Class Group Activities 0 to 15%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Musser, Burger, and Peterson, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers: A Contemporary Approach, current edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Billstein, Libeskind, and Lott, A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, current edition, Addison Wesley.
Pedagogy Statement:
Course content will be taught through readings, activities, lecture, and class discussion.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 32
Optimum Class Size: 24