MATH-480
Clinical Experience
Syllabus - Spring 2010
Instructor:
Course
Description:
Dr. Karla Childs
e-mail: kchilds@pittstate.edu
This course is designed to provide students, preparing to teach mathematics in the secondary
classroom, an authentic environment in which to observe and interact with secondary
students and to reflect upon current best practices.
Course Goals
and Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Observe, record, and analyze students’ behavior, events, and environment in regular
classrooms;

Work with students on a one-to-one basis and in small group settings;

Demonstrate a professional attitude;

Observe classroom application theory and instructional models;

Plan, in conjunction with the cooperating teacher and the instructor of MATH-479, a
major teaching unit of which, at least 2 lessons will be taught. These lessons will
contain appropriate strategies for individualized needs of students.
Requirements for the Students
in the Mathematics Clinical Field Experience
I. Attendance: Complete thirty (30) clock hours in the school placement no later than Friday, May 7. The
Cooperating Teacher will initial the time sheet (see Appendix A) each day. Planning periods do not count
for the required hours. Only student contact hours are counted.
II. Teaching:
A. Prepare a minimum of three lessons in cooperation with the Cooperating Teacher and Dr. Childs, to
include a formal assessment;
B. Teach two (2) lessons from lesson plans. These lessons are to be videotaped and transferred to
VHS tape or DVD; please make the appropriate arrangements. The tapes will be for personal
and instructor viewing only.
Both lessons are to be evaluated by your cooperating teacher on the form supplied and prepared by you
(See Appendix A). The purpose is to give you feedback and target both areas of strength and areas for
improvement. Dr. Childs will evaluate the written lesson plans and the presentation of the selected lessons
to determine your grade.
III. Reflection: Self-evaluate and reflect upon the two lessons taught. You will be required to complete a
rubric and prepare a reflective narrative to include the following:
Things that worked. Why?
Things that didn’t work. Why?
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Specific plans for improvement.
IV. Additional Requirements: You will also be required to complete the following:
A. Maintenance of a weekly journal (electronic copy) of activities and observations;
B. Submission of a monthly overview (electronic copy), of activities and observations;
C. Completion of at least four (4), of the following nine activities, to include a summary and reflective
narrative:
1. Attend a departmental meeting;
2. Attend a school faculty meeting;
3. Prepare a minimum of ten teaching tips or techniques gained from your cooperating teacher or
another teacher by the beginning of PSU’s Spring Break;
4. Attend a co-curricular activity (e.g. student council, club, drama function, athletic event, etc.) by
the beginning of PSU’s Spring Break;
5. Attend one or more special education classes;
6 Attend a school inservice meeting;
7. Visit the teacher’s lounge at least three times and observe interpersonal relationships by the
beginning of PSU’s Spring Break;
8. Attend Parent-Teacher Conference(s);
9. Attend both meetings of the NCTM affiliated group, MOKAN (and invite your cooperating
teacher).
D. Submission of a reflective summary of the course to include how your ideas about teaching have
been reinforced or changed, observations you have made about students, teachers and instruction, and
feelings or preparation for the professional semester.
Other than the requirements previously mentioned, you are to be employed in tasks (cooperating teacher’s
choice) which provide experience for the various roles in which teachers function. Examples: grade papers,
tutor an individual or a small group, teach as many additional lessons as the cooperating teacher and you
choose, and countless other tasks teachers perform regularly.
Expectations for Clinical Experience
Candidates
We expect our clinical experience candidates to . . .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dress professionally.
Act professionally and serve as a positive role model to others.
Be prepared to teach two lessons.
Meet deadlines!
Attend clinical experience duties each time, and on time. If you are unable to attend (or will be late),
due to an emergency, should contact the school (your cooperating teacher) and Dr. Childs
immediately.
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