SEC 404: Theory and Practice in Teaching Secondary Mathematics (9-12)
Course Description: Co-requisite SEC 421 Field Experience Block3: Secondary Teaching (1).
Emphasis on theory, curriculum development (including interdisciplinary and global), inquiry,
critical thinking, classroom management, instructional strategies and selection of appropriate
instructional materials. Focus on planning and teaching practices including adaptations to diverse
needs of students.
Course Objectives:
 Develop skills in long-range, short-range, and daily planning for the secondary
mathematics classroom.
 Examine current issues and trends in secondary mathematics education utilizing research
and inquiry.
 Have a clear understanding of the mathematics objectives and assessment
recommendations described in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
(NCTM) publications and outlined in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
 Explore topics in mathematics that are appropriate for secondary students but can be
extended to collegiate level study.
 Make connections between the mathematics of the secondary school curriculum with
various disciplines and understand its role in analyzing practical situations.
 Create an interdisciplinary unit and lesson plan based on the North Carolina Standard
Course of Study.
 Examine key ideas for effective classroom management.
 Consider critical aspects of teacher sensitivity toward students as individual learners and
toward the classroom as a whole.
 Demonstrate problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills in mathematics.
 Understand whole class, small cooperative groups, and individual learning experiences in
mathematics, including strategies to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds.
 Examine a variety of methods used by students for communicating their understanding of
mathematics, including oral and written forms and a variety of assessment techniques.
 Discuss the role of writing in the mathematics classroom.
 Discuss effective teaching strategies for the learning of mathematics with emphasis on
classroom environment, the role of homework and in-class assignments, assessment
issues, and integration of manipulatives and technology.
Required Text:
NCTM. (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
Recommended Text:
NCTM. (2004). Empowering the beginning teacher of mathematics in high school. Reston, VA:
NCTM.
Topics:
 NC Secondary Mathematics Curriculum
 National Standards in K-12 Mathematics
 Planning: Long and short range
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Interdisciplinary learning
Assessment
Classroom management
Teaching diverse learners
Perspectives in teaching secondary mathematics
Teaching strategies
Issues specific to teaching secondary mathematics
Field Experience reflections
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on a variety of assignments including:
Curriculum Project
Lesson/Unit Plans
Teaching presentation
Written and other assignments
Final Product
Total
Grading Scale:
A:
A-:
B+:
B:
B-:
C+:
C-:
D+:
D:
D-:
F:
93 – 100
90 - 92.9
87 – 89.9
93 – 86.9
80 – 82.9
77 – 79.9
73 – 76.9
67 – 69.9
63 – 66.9
60 – 62.9
below 60
30
20
15
15
20
100