Department of Mathematical Sciences
Central Connecticut State University
Spring Term, 2009
Dear Classroom Teacher,
________________________ is a student at Central Connecticut State University, currently
enrolled in Structures of Mathematics I: Number Systems (Math 113). As part of the course
requirements, students have been asked to visit an elementary school to observe first-hand how the
course content and materials are being implemented in an elementary classroom. After observing a
math lesson (preferably one that incorporates the use of math manipulatives), it would be helpful if
students are encouraged to work with a child or small group of children, to help reinforce the same
concept that was just presented.
This course is the first math course of three that elementary education majors are required to
take for certification. Topics covered in this course include: problem solving; number theory, place
value; sets; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and rational
numbers; ratios; proportions; and percents. Students have been introduced to a variety of
manipulatives that can be used in the development of these concepts. However, due to the fact that
this course is usually taken in the beginning of the students’ college career, they may not yet have a
great deal of experience in lesson design or learning theory.
By visiting your classroom, my students will extend their knowledge by having an
opportunity to observe and apply what they have learned in a “real world” setting. This will be a
valuable and meaningful experience for them. I appreciate your support and thank you for being a
vital link in the development of future educators.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I may be
reached at (860) 832-2856 or mtmmit@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Maria T. Mitchell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Math 113
Classroom Mathematics Lesson Observation Form
Student Name: ________________________
Date of Observation:_____________
Name of Teacher: _____________________
Name of School: ________________
School Address: ______________________
School Phone Number:___________
Grade Level: _________________
I.
Describe the classroom environment: # of students, space, resources, etc.
II.
What were the mathematical skills or concepts being taught? (Lesson Objectives?)
III.
How were the students grouped for instruction? Small group, whole class,
heterogeneous or homogeneous grouping?
IV.
What instruction materials were used? (Texts, worksheets, manipulatives,
technology???)
V.
Describe the classroom discourse: teacher/student and student/student
VI.
How did the teacher assess the student learning?
VII.
How did the teacher modify the lesson from the original plan? To meet individual
student needs?
VIII. What did you learn as a result of your observation?
Portfolio Assignment
Math 113/Spring 2009
Professor Mitchell
Five Parts:
1. Your math autobiography and your philosophy of education. Please include a table of
contents with page numbers.
2. Write a cover letter (at least two pages – double spaced) that explains

why you chose each of the portfolio items that you did

what progress you think you have made so far this term – what your prior
beliefs were about mathematics content, about mathematics teaching, what
you have learned in mathematics; what you have learned about the learning
and teaching process


what you have learned about the use of technology and problem solving

an evaluation of your work this term: in class and out of class
future goals involving studying and teaching of mathematics and how you will apply
what you learned to your teaching
3. Choose four representations of your homework, class-work, activities, this term. You
should select one assignment or activity from each of the following categories and explain
why:

A favorite assignment – one which you really enjoyed

A “best” assignment that represents your best work mathematically

A “difficult” assignment – one that you found challenging and corrected after class
discussion

An “important” assignment – one that helped you develop an understanding of one
or more key mathematical concepts.
4. You must also include 4 word problems, one for each operation ( +, -, x, and ÷). You can
reference information for your problems in a journal, magazine, newspaper, tv program,
internet or any other approved source. Please provide two explanations to your solutions to
your word problems and the grade level for which it was written. Please include your
references with your problems.
5. A description and analysis of your two class room observations based on the questions on
the “Classroom Mathematics Lesson Observation Form”. Your portfolio should include one
personal narrative containing the information on the Observation Form (this is a guideline for
you while you observe a mathematics classroom) and your Power Point presentation.
Math 113 Portfolio
Rubric
Total
Possible
Points
Exemplary
10 Points
The portfolio is very well
organized and easy to read. It
includes a table of contents
and page numbers.
Proficient
6 Points
The portfolio is generally
well organized and easy to
read. It includes a table of
contents and page numbers.
Cover Letter –
Written
Communication
(addressed to me)
15 Point
All of the components
demonstrate the use of clear,
well organized, and accurate
written communication.
10 Points
There are only one or two
occurrences of unorganized,
inaccurate, or difficult to
interpret written information
Four selected
assignments with
explanations as to
why chosen
You can include the
explanations in the
cover letter or have in
front of each selected
assignment
Grammar, spelling,
sentence structure,
punctuation
20 Points
15 Points
Most assignments are related
to the purpose of the
portfolio.
10 points
The text has no errors in
grammar, capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling.
6 points
The text has a few errors in
grammar, capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling.
These require minor editing
and revision.
Math Auto
5 points
Included and corrected
Phil of Ed
10 points
Included with excellent
grammar, spelling, sentence
structure and punctuation
10 points
3 points
Included and corrected, with
errors in grammar, sentence
structure, spelling
6 points
Included with good grammar,
spelling, sentence structure
and punctuation
6 points
Each operation is
accompanied by a narrative
that articulately explains the
importance of that particular
problem with no grade
specified.
Org of Presentation,
TOC, page numbers
Four word problems
for each operation.
They must be grade
appropriateSpecify grade
All assignments are clearly
and directly related to the
purpose of the portfolio.
Each operation is
accompanied by a narrative
that articulately explains the
importance of that particular
problem for each grade
selected.
Grade appropriate
answers to word
problems (show
solutions two
different ways)
10 points
Observation
Narratives (2)
Please include your
PP and the second
observation should be
in the form of a
narrative
15 points
10 points
Both observations are
included.
The first observation is in MS
PowerPoint form. The second
observation is in narrative
form and follows the
guidelines provided.
Both observations are
included. The first
observation is in MS
PowerPoint form. The
second observation is in
narrative form and does not
follows the guidelines
provided.
Total Points
Resume(extra +3)
Both solutions illustrate the
ability to effectively show
math content and pedagogy
and include models to
represent the solutions.
6 points
Most solutions illustrate the
ability to effectively show
math content and pedagogy
and include models to
represent the solutions.
Partially Proficient
3 Points
Incomplete
0 Points
The portfolio is
somewhat
organized and
difficult to read.
5 Points
There are three or
four occurrences of
unorganized,
inaccurate, or
difficult to interpret
written information.
10 Points
The portfolio is not
organized and is
difficult to read.
Few assignments
are related to the
purpose of the
portfolio.
Most assignments
are unrelated to the
purpose of the
portfolio.
3 points
0 points
The text has more
than 6 errors in
grammar,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
spelling. It requires
major editing and
revision.
10
0 points
Not included
5
3 points
Included with many
grammatical and
spelling errors.
3 points
0 points
Not included
10
0 points
10
Each operation is
represented. No
narrative that
articulately explains
the importance of
that particular
problem.
3 points
No word problems.
A few solutions
illustrate the ability
to effectively show
math content and
pedagogy and no
models to represent
the solutions.
5 points
No solutions, No
models
The first
observation is
included in
Microsoft PP form.
Neither observation
is included
The text has 4 or
more errors in
grammar,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
spelling requiring
editing and revision.
1 point
Included and not
corrected
0 Points
There are more than
four instances of
unorganized,
inaccurate, or
difficult to interpret
written information
0 Points
0 points
0 Points
10
15
20
10
10
100
Earned
Points