MATG-760: Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching

This course will examine the types of mathematical knowledge needed for teaching
secondary mathematics (both middle and high school). Instruction in the course will model a more investigative approach to secondary mathematics through hands-on activities with standards-based curricula in secondary mathematics. The course will examine learning theories in mathematics in view of recent national and state recommendations for mathematics curricula and instruction—i.e., the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics' Principles and Standards 2000 and North Carolina statewide learning goals as articulated in the Standard Course of Study—based on the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. The goal of this course is to provide you with a foundation of school mathematics from an advanced perspective. Mathematics knowledge for teaching involves more than knowing the school mathematics that you all have studied and passed in order to become college mathematics majors. Rather, mathematics knowledge for teaching is a highly specialized understanding of the conceptual foundations behind school mathematics that will give you the tools, as a teacher, to make instructional decisions that are developmentally appropriate for your students, helping them to make connections as they learn new mathematical concepts.