Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MSTE 5230
Descriptive
Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science
Department
Mathematics & Science Teaching
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
5.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
28
Contact Hours
Research / Preparation/ Consultation with Instructor and Peers: 6 hours per week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Tutorial
Online
Learning Activities

Guided study, one-on-one consultation with instructor and peers.

Course Description
In this capstone course, students will apply their content-, curricular-, and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics and science in the B.C. school curriculum in an applied project or combination of projects that will allow demonstration of all of the following professional goals within the context of mathematics and science education: leadership, professional community involvement, resourcefulness, promotion of mathematics and/or science, and reflective practice. Individual projects are completed in consultation with a faculty member.
Course Content

Projects will vary. Students are encouraged to identify needs in their own communities and target projects towards relevant priorities. If a single project does not allow the student to address all 5 of the above-listed professional goals, a combination of smaller projects may be undertaken to address all requirements. All projects must be approved by the course instructor or program coordinator. There is an expectation that students will commit at least 60 hours to the completion of the project(s). Examples of activities that could be used to fulfill some or all of the requirements include:

  • Lead and support school numeracy or science initiatives
  • Organise and run a Math or Science Fair
  • Organise and run a math or science club
  • Prepare a group of students for and have them write a mathematics or science contest exam
  • Create an annotated survey of mathematics and science curricular and extra-curricular activities and/or web resources
  • Formal write-up of unit plans or year plans
  • Prepare and deliver a mathematics/science workshop to peers (not done before!)
  • Create or improve a district mathematics/science teaching resource
  • Attend and report on a mathematics/science education conference or professional development session
  • Organise and run a mathematics/science event for parents
  • Plan, implement and report on an action research project

This list is not meant to be exhaustive.

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this course is to provide the student the opportunity to synthesize, in a practical way, what has been learned throughout the program. Through their project work students will demonstrate the following professional goals within the context of mathematics and science education:

  • Leadership: Conceptualise, coordinate and carry out an activity or event that will be of benefit to peers, parents, and/or children.
  • Professional Community Involvement: Work with peers and/or community experts to address individual or community concerns related to mathematics and science education.
  • Resourcefulness: Be aware of, critically evaluate, and make appropriate use of a variety of resources related to B.C. mathematics and science education.
  • Promotion of Mathematics & Science: Engage children in activities that promote an interest in mathematical and/or scientific thinking and perspectives.
  • Reflective Practice: Self-evaluate and set goals for improvement and ongoing professional development.
Means of Assessment

Specific course evaluation procedures will be negotiated between students and the instructor dependent upon the chosen project (see Course Content for examples). Such procedures will be consistent with Douglas College’s Evaluation Policy. Assessment may be completed through a “mastery” assessment scheme. 

Textbook Materials

None.

Prerequisites