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Academics

» » » » Academic Departments - Teacher Ed Courses - Secondary Mathematics

The secondary education mathematics program at York College of Pennsylvania is a true partnership program. First, we believe that a professional teacher must have a strong foundation in the theory and practice of both education and mathematics. The Education Departmentoffers a curriculum based on developing the skills and techniques which research has shown produces effective teaching and learning. The mathematics curriculum provides a broad basis of mathematics theory presented in secondary schools. This includes an appreciation of the historical and cultural factors that represent mathematics as an ongoing human activity.

Secondly, there is a partnership between York College of Pennsylvania and practitioners. The strong emphasis on observation/participation and the student teaching experience attest to our emphasis on the value of input from practicing educators. Thus the student at York College is exposed to both the theory of practice and actual participation in putting this theory to use in a school setting.

We believe that secondary mathematics teachers should be knowledgeable of -

• the research on how students learn mathematics;
• the effects of students' age, abilities, interests, and experiences on learning mathematics;
• the influences of students' linguistic, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic background and gender on learning mathematics;
• the means for assessing student understanding of mathematics;
• the nature of mathematics, the contributions of different cultures toward the development of mathematics, and the role ofmathematics in culture and society;
• enhancing mathematical discourse through the use of a variety of tools, including calculators, computers, and physical and pictorial models.

We believe that secondary mathematics teachers should be able to-

• ensure that every student is learning sound and significant mathematics and is developing a positive disposition toward mathematics;
• create learning environments that support and encourage mathematical reasoning and abilities to do mathematics;
• identify students with special mathematical needs. Encouraging able students to pursue mathematics and science while simultaneously assisting students with mathematical weaknesses overcome their disabilities;
• select mathematics tasks that engage students' interests and intellect;
• provide opportunities for students to deepen their understandings of the mathematics being studied and its applications;
• orchestrate classroom discourse in ways that promotes the investigation and growth of mathematical ideas;
• use and help students use, technology and other tools to pursue mathematical investigations;
• analyze and evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of their teaching;
• observe and analyze a range of approaches to mathematics teaching and learning, focusing on the tasks, discourse, environment, and assessment;
• work with a diverse range of students individually, in small groups, and in large class settings with guidance from and in collaboration with mathematics education professionals;
• participate actively in the professional community of mathematics educators.

View the Course Requirements for Secondary Education Mathematics Majors.