MAT 555 Research in Mathematics Education

This is a sample syllabus only. Ask your instructor for the official syllabus for your course.

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Revised Course Description

This course is designed to integrate previous work and experience by emphasizing the application of theoretical models and research designs to the field of mathematics education. Special emphasis will be given to analyzing, organizing, and evaluating findings, and communicating the results.

MAT 555 meets for three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisites

Graduate standing and one year of full time secondary teaching.

Objectives

After completing MAT 555 students will

• have an awareness of current mathematics education research literature
• have an awareness of current mathematics education research design and practices
• be able to conduct a literature review of a mathematics education topic
• be able to analyze and evaluate research in mathematics education
• be able to organize and write a review of the literature for a topic in mathematics education.

Expected outcomes

Students should be able to demonstrate through written assignments, tests, portfolios, and/or oral presentations, that they have achieved the objectives of MAT 555.

Method of Evaluating Outcomes

Evaluations are based on homework, projects, papers, class presentations, short tests, portfolio of total work for the semester, and/or scheduled examinations. Other assessments include an annotated bibliography of 20 references for one topic, peer review of student papers, editing tasks, and reading and analyzing mathematics education studies.

Readings

1. Wilson, P. (1993). Research ideas for the classroom: High school. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
2. Owens, D. (1992). Research ideas for the classroom: Middle grades mathematics. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
3. Taylor Fitz-Gibbon, C. and L.L. Morris. (1987). How to design a program evaluation. Newbury Park, CA: Sage publications.
4. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition.

Course Outline

• Research questions
• Research variables
• APA Format - Overall & headings
• APA Format - Tables
• APA Format - Figures
• APA Format - References
• APA Format - Statistics
• APA Format -Threats to validity
• Measures - Tests & questionnaires
• Methodology - Design
• Methodology - Data entry design
• Methodology - Data analysis

Grading Policy

Students' grades may be based on software performance, homework, projects, papers, class presentations, short tests, portfolio of total work for the semester, and/or scheduled examinations that test students' understanding of the topics covered in the course (see "Method of evaluating outcomes"). The instructor determines the weight of each of these factors in the final grade.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance policy is set by the instructor.

Policy on Due Dates and Make-Up Work

Due dates and policy regarding make-up work are set by the instructor.

Schedule of Examinations

The instructor sets all test dates except the date of the final exam. The final exam is given at the date and time announced in the Schedule of Classes.

Academic Integrity

The mathematics department does not tolerate cheating. Students who have questions or concerns about academic integrity should ask their professors or the counselors in the Student Development Office, or refer to the University Catalog for more information. (Look in the index under "academic integrity".)

Accomodations for Students with Disabilities

Cal State Dominguez Hills adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities. If you have a disability that may adversely affect your work in this class, I encourage you to register with Disabled Student Services (DSS) and to talk with me about how I can best help you. All disclosures of disabilities will be kept strictly confidential. Please note: no accommodation may be made until you register with the DSS in WH B250. For information call (310) 243-3660 or to use telecommunications Device for the Deaf, call (310) 243-2028.

Revision history:

Prepared by J. Wilkins 2/17/00. Revised 7/8/01, 7/25/06 (G. Jennings).