Show your students that anyone can be a math person.
The sum of one and two will always be three and a parabola will always be u-shaped, but all great math teachers know that their field is in a constant state of change as its use expands. Between evolving state standards, cool new digital math games, and tablets so easy to use that PreK kids know to swipe right, there’s more value than ever in earning a master’s degree that brings relevance to your math instruction and gives you strategies to reach all kinds of learners — including those who have yet to see that they can “get” math.
With an emphasis on National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards, Concordia’s online MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Mathematics program addresses developmental learning, acquiring proficiency, problem-solving, and demonstrating understanding in mathematics for all children. You’ll also learn to utilize technology to improve student outcomes in the PreK-12 core curriculum.
This course presents an overview of the principles set forth by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics and is designed for teaching all learners: Equity, Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Assessment. In the study of the historical perspective and the theoretical foundations of mathematical teaching, close attention is given to the connection between theorists and practical application in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on transformational learning based in a developmental, constructivist approach.
This course will guide teachers in the development of a foundation for the teaching and learning of measurement and geometry through transformational learning based on a developmental, constructivist approach. Numbers and operations are woven into the study of measurement and geometry in a meaningful, integrated manner. Emphasis is placed on student and teacher thinking, lesson planning, transformational teaching methods, the use of technology as an integral part of teaching and learning math, and assessment.
This course will foster a deeper understanding of PreK-12 national standards, as well as the three NCTM curriculum focal points for each grade level (PreK-12), in order to strengthen a teacher's thinking and perceptions of geometry as well as instructional practices which effectively increase student understanding of measurement and geometry.
This course will guide teachers in the development of a foundation for the learning and teaching of algebraic concepts, data analysis, and probability through transformational learning based on a developmental, constructivist approach. Numbers and operations are woven into the study of algebra, data analysis, and probability in a meaningful integrated manner. Emphasis is placed on student and teacher processing of algebra, on lesson planning, transformational teaching methods, the use of technology as an integral part of learning and teaching math, and assessment.
The focus of this course is transformational learning and teaching that meets the needs of all learners through a developmental, constructivist approach. There will be an emphasis on setting up the classroom, getting to know the learners, assessing learning styles and needs, differentiated teaching strategies including interactive age-appropriate games and manipulatives, and providing anchor activities to solidify learning. Technology is considered an integral part of learning and teaching math in the differentiated classroom and will include the strategic use of technology resources such as SmartBoard technology, digital tools, computers, calculators, online digital games, and podcasts along with Internet-based resources. The course will provide a plethora of practical ideas for making math a positive and transformational experience for teachers and learners alike.
Is the Master of Education in Mathematics concentration right for me?
The Curriculum & Instruction: Mathematics program helped me to hone my skills of effectively differentiating lessons and understanding the differences in students. It is easy to teach an individual a lesson. It takes understanding and planning to meet the needs of all the students in a classroom.
Why is math education critical in today’s world?
Math teaches logical and critical thinking: Math requires discipline and critical thinking skills to find solutions for complex problems. When students master these thinking processes, that proficiency carries over into other areas of their lives and turns them into adept problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
Math is a necessary component of everyday life: Balancing a budget, paying our taxes, measuring a room, leaving a tip — math is a part of our daily lives. Fluency in math isn’t reserved for genius mathematicians. Everyone needs math!
Universal language: Mathematics is truly a universal language shared by all humans, transcending differences across cultures and religions. The concept of numeracy — or math literacy — connects individuals across continents and through time, and links ideas conceived from one profession to another.
Math encourages precision and persistence: Precision and persistence in math helps student to logically approach a problem and persevere until a solution is reached.
21st century jobs: Preparing our youth for competitive 21st century jobs will sustain our country’s economic growth. Graduates with strong math skills are in high demand for high-paying jobs in STEM (and STEAM) fields. But even non-STEM jobs require math. A filmmaker needs to create a budget for their project. Cashiers need the ability to calculate change. Business owners must balance their books and run payroll.
Why are math teachers more important than ever?
The U.S. needs qualified and passionate math teachers to grow our nation’s math literacy. As the needs of the global workforce evolve, mathematical understanding is more imperative than ever.
In 1960, 1.1 million Americans worked in science and engineering fields, while today it’s approaching 6 million.
Careers in banking and finance, information technology, healthcare, and construction are among STEM jobs that are projected to grow to more than 9 million from 2012 to 2022.
Not to mention, the most recent United States PISA rankings from 2015 placed the U.S. 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science.
Sources: National Science Foundation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Science Foundation, STEM 101: Intro to tomorrow’s jobs.
Good math teachers help young learners discover the beauty and real-world relevance of math. Students are often resistant to math. Math instructors who can eliminate barriers to learning are in the highest demand. The Atlantic calls the I’m bad at math refrain America’s greatest “fallacy of inborn ability.” Professor of Psychology Carol Dweck, author of the now-famous Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, argues that intelligence is not fixed, but malleable. Her research indicates that when students believe they can learn and grow their intelligence, they are more likely to do so—a phenomenon she calls the “Growth Mindset.” Conversely, when students believe they can’t do something, they are more likely to be unsuccessful.
Sian Beilock, a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, notes that parents who are anxious about math can pass that anxiety along to their children, creating a new generation of math-phobic learners.
Sources: Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: a longitudinal study and an intervention Blackwell LS1, Trzesniewski KH, Dweck CS, Child Dev. 2007 Jan-Feb;78(1):246-63; The Myth of ‘I’m Bad at Math’ Miles Kimball and Noah Smith, The Atlantic, October 2013; Fending Off Math Anxiety By Perri Klass, M.D., The New York Times, April, 2017.