York University
Faculties of Arts and Science
Mathematics 4100 Topics in Mathematics Education
Winter 2007
Instructor: Walter Whiteley
Office Ross S518
whiteley@mathstat.yorku.ca
http://www.math.yorku.ca/~whiteley/
Teaching Assistant: TBA
Time and Room: Thursday 4:00-7:00 Ross S525 (note change of room).
Expanded Calendar Description:
The main objectives of this course include providing opportunities for students to
examine topics in mathematics and themes in mathematics education, in light of their
experience of mathematics. Throughout, the focus will be on developing students' ability
to unpack and communicate their understanding of concepts in mathematics, and to
question assumptions about what mathematicians do and what students do when they are
learning mathematics. Students will be encouraged to work with multiple representations
and approaches. In this context the role of technological tools in the practice and learning
of mathematics will be explored.
Format:
The course will run as a seminar, with a key readings or investigations between classes,
and discussions / investigations during class. As a seminar, attendance will be expected.
There will not be a text, but there will be assigned readings.
Grading:
Assignments 40%
There will be regular assignments throughout the course related to themes such
as:
-unpacking mathematical concepts;
- using multiple representations;
- use of technology.
Project (classroom presentation and written report) 30%
A portfolio on Teaching and Learning of Mathematics 10%
Responses and reflections on readings 20%
Additional Sources of Information for the course:
There is a wiki for the course at http://wiki.math.yorku.ca/index.php/MATH_4100
You can create a log in and edit / add materials to the wiki.
There is also Phorum at http://forum.aml.yorku.ca/list.php?f=55 for the course where you
can post and respond to postings.
Some Sources of readings for the course:
The current Ontario Mathematic Curriculum documents:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/math.html
The Canadian based mathematics education journal For the Learning of Mathematics
(available in the Scott Library.
Links and Documents around the Grade 12 Curriculum Revisions at:
http://wiki.math.yorku.ca/index.php/Department:_High_School_Curriculum
Links around visual reasoning and geometry at:
http://wiki.math.yorku.ca/index.php/CMESG
The Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators (OAME):
http://www.oame.on.ca/main/index1.php
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information,
available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see
Reports, Initiatives, Documents) http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm
 York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
 Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants
 Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including
physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities
 Student Conduct Standards
 Religious Observance Accommodation