Syllabus—Problem Solving for Middle School Teachers

Summer 2004

Dr. Maria Fung, Mathematics, WOU

Class: M T W R / 9 – 11:30 p.m. / AA 104

June 21 – July 8 (no class July 5)

Office Hours: 11:30-12:50 p.m. M-R or by appointment / 503 838 8871

/ fungm@wou.edu

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. Text: “The Number Devil A Mathematical Adventure” by Hans Magnus Enzensberger, Henry Holt and Company, 1998, available at the WOU bookstore

2. OCTM Intermediate Problem Box Problems From TOMT, 1980 to 1992, available at the WOU bookstore

3. Large 3-ring notebook to organize course materials

CLASS STRUCTURE

Daily Plan

¨ Attendance and punctuality: CRITICAL

¨ Wear comfortable lightweight clothing, AA is often warm in the summer

¨ Please feel free to bring beverages and snacks to class

Start Class

¨ Turn in completed homework from previous night’s homework and readings

In Class

¨ Work on and discuss fun problem solving mathematics activities designed for MS students (one 10-minute break)

End Class

¨ Fill out short refection on class

After Class

¨ File all class activities in a section of an organized course notebook

Overall Plan

¨ Review an array of different problem solving strategies

¨ Practice giving feedback to peers using the Oregon Scoring Guide and writing mentoring comments (Peer Review)

¨ Write a series of rich word problems centered around a specific strategy (Portfolio Problems)

¨ Write solutions to a series of middle school problems to be assessed with the Oregon Scoring Guide (Problems of the Week)

TENTATIVE CLASS TOPIC SCHEDULE

¨ Week 1:

1. Polya's framework for problem solving

2. Using the Oregon Problem Solving Scoring Guide as a learning and assessment tool

3. Assessing Problem Solving

4. Key Moments in Problem Solving

¨ Week 2:

1. Overview of Problem Solving Strategies

2. Visual Techniques

3. Triangular Numbers, Sub-problems and Extensions

4. Problem Solving Summaries

¨ Week 3:

1. Some number theory techniques

2. Algebra in problem solving

CLASS HOMEWORK AND PROJECTS

Daily Homework

¨ Purpose: Extend and understand the mathematics of the activities we do in class and of the readings

¨ Source: Homework problems assigned in class, PoW, and Portfolios

¨ Expectation: Quality write ups including all details, work, solution paths and all presented in a clear, clean, easy to read and follow format

¨ Due: Two days after assignment—exception, Wednesday, Week 3 hw due Tuesday, Week 3

¨ File returned homework in a section of your organized class notebook

Daily Readings

¨ Purpose: To provide background information, general interest and an overview of some important topics in mathematics

¨ Source: “The Number Devil,” and class handouts

¨ Expectation: Readable brief notes on each assigned reading kept in reflective journal entries (journal format—your choice: typed, series of hand written pages, small or 3-hole punched bound notebook, etc.); it is required that you discuss the mathematics content of the reading

¨ Due: Announced in class, usually one or two days after assignment

¨ File returned reading reflections in a section of your organized class notebook (loose papers) / clip 3 ring journal book into binder or keep journal handy with notebook

Project One: Lesson Plans (Two per Student)

Lesson Plan One (further assignment detail passed out Thursday, Week 1)

¨ Write (weekend 1) and modify (week 2)

30 minutes Monday Week Two

¨ Modification feedback from discussion groups—turn in to Maria Fung (MGF) who will add to the modification notes from class

¨ Formal written modification due to MGF Tuesday, Week Three

Lesson Plan Two

¨ Write (weekend 2)

All class Thursday, Week Three

¨ Modification feedback and discussions

¨ To discuss: Modified lesson 1 from week one and new lesson 2 from week 2

Topic Source for Lesson Plans

Proportional Reasoning and Problem Solving

Proportion/Ratio/Percent in MS Problem Solving

Pre-algebraic/Algebraic Reasoning and Problem Solving

Algebra Activities

CLASS ASSESSMENT

Your course grade will be based on all of the components of the course:

¨ Completed in-class activities and mentoring replies (checked off only)

¨ Attendance and punctuality

¨ Daily Homework (grade individually)

¨ Daily Readings Reflection (grade individually)

¨ Lesson Plan completion and revision

CLASS WEB PAGE

All assignments, course information and links will be posted here.

Follow the “Course Links” found at: http://www.wou.edu/~fungm

CLASS EMAIL (due immediately)

Please email me at: fungm@wou.edu

Subject:

PS Summer 2004

Body:

¨ Your name

¨ Where you teach, what grade and what topics

¨ Brief note on why you are taking this class

¨ Math classes you have taken—including approximate dates (e.g. Spring 2004)

¨ Brief note on your goals for this class