Math 72: Classroom Practice in Middle School Mathematics

Fall 2019

Instructor: Regan Galvan regangalvan@gmail.com

Meets in MS 5137 on Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:20pm

Instructor of Record: Jim Ralston ralston@math.ucla.edu

Course Description and Objectives: This course is designed to introduce prospective mathematics teachers to the field of secondary education and the teaching and learning of mathematics in middle school classrooms. Students are placed in local middle school classrooms to observe, participate, and assist a Mentor Teacher in instruction. In concert with this field experience, students participate in the weekly seminar and discuss learning in a middle school culture, cognitive development of students at this level, and the best means to teach appropriate mathematics concepts at this level. Students are expected to work a minimum of 24 hours in the middle school classroom during the quarter.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 71SL (CaT1)

Course Requirements:

· Fieldwork and Reflections: Students will work in a middle school classroom a minimum of 24 hours during the quarter from October 3 - December _. For every field visit, students will create a log of their hours and reflections of their observations/interactions and turn them in to the instructor via shared google doc weekly AND to the Cal-Teach Google Document. See Observation Reflection Guidelines.

· Weekly Assignments: Assignments will be given on a weekly basis and include readings, math problems, and topics for discussion with mentor teachers. Students are expected to complete all assignments prior to the next meeting. Reading Responses will be turned in via shared google doc or will be complete in class.

· Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and participate in discussions pertinent to their classroom experiences, assignments, and other education issues. If more than 2 classes are missed, the student will fail, or be recommended to withdraw, from the course. Any substantial tardies will be counted as a half or whole absence, at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading: This is a Pass/No Pass course. All assignments must be completed in an acceptable manner in the required format. Assignments will only be counted when turned in during class or via email before class. Attendance at all seminars is mandatory. Lastly, you must submit all reflections into the Cal-Teach Portal in order to pass the class. You can use the same reflections for the portal that you turn into me.

Placements: The Academic Coordinator will handle all scheduling and placements. Local middle schools with excellent Mentor Teachers have been selected for your placements. All schools are within walking distance or one short bus ride from UCLA. Once you have been paired with another student and placed with a Mentor Teacher, you will be provided with the location information. Contact information for your Mentor Teacher, the middle school principal, and other students working at your school will also be provided.

Preparation: This course builds on your experience in Math 71SL (or equivalent). Before you engage in your work at the middle school, we will discuss in detail and provide documentation of the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of everyone involved in this partnership between UCLA and the middle schools. Principles of good campus-community partnerships include: agreed upon missions, values, and goals; a relationship characterized by mutual trust, respect, genuineness, and commitment; clear, open, and accessible communication between partners; and feedback to, among, and from all stakeholders in the partnership with the goal of continuously improving the partnership and its outcomes.

Meaningful Work: While the type of work you engage in at the middle school will vary, you are expected to observe and assist your mentor teacher in mathematics. Possible activities include helping your mentor teacher prepare for instruction or class activities, observing, assisting individual students or small groups, and teaching individuals, small groups, or the whole class. Students are guests in their assigned schools and as guests, agree to support school policies and personnel, follow all rules and regulations, and conduct themselves as professional educators in their manner, dress and communication. Students should follow the “Classroom Assistant Guidelines” (provided) at all times.

Suggestion: Keep a journal for observations/reflections/teaching tips. You may use this notebook to complete your observations, and/or as a source for discussion in class.

This is a “Service Learning” course and as such, requires that you have a working knowledge of service learning. Service Learning:

· Is a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of communities;

· Is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, or community-based organization;

· Helps foster civic responsibility;

· Is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the education components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled;

· Provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience.