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Mathematics Education The Mathematics Education Program is a collaborative effort between the Mathematics Department and the Bagwell College of Education. Matriculation in this program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics Education. Formally recognized by the Professional Teacher Education Unit, the goal of this program is to prepare undergraduate students to teach mathematics in grades 7-12. Secondary school mathematics must prepare students for the work place, for college, and for citizenship. Thus, students who complete this program shall be able to: 1. Introduce the entire spectrum of the mathematical sciences and promote conceptualization leading to abstraction, while including a common core of broadly useful mathematics; 2. Create classrooms that are mathematical communities in which all students are empowered to rely on logic and mathematical evidence as verification and in which all students are encouraged and enabled to value mathematics and gain confidence in their own mathematical ability; 3. Select, create, or modify curriculum and provide instruction that focuses on mathematical reasoning, conjecturing, discovering mathematical ideas, connecting mathematics, and creating and using activities that promote understanding, capture the interest of students, and demonstrate real applications of mathematics; 4. View assessment of student learning as an integral part of instruction; 5. Keep abreast of issues, trends, and implications for teaching groups of students with diverse needs; and 6. Accept responsibility for learning and ongoing professional development. Thus the collaborative Model for Preparing Professional Learning Facilitators is broad based, including an appropriate balance of scholarly inquiry, theory, concepts, skills, and practical application. The signature label of the Model is Knowledge, Skills, and Understanding. Nationally accredited by the National Agency for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) programs, the Model has a learner-centered, field-based focus. Most notable is that students begin field experiences in the very first course, Teaching in Schools in a Changing Society, by spending five weeks In a school. These "school" experiences continue throughout the program and culminate in Student Teaching in which students assume full-time teaching responsibilities for at least eleven weeks. Students majoring in Mathematics Education are advised by Mathematics Faculty who have extensive experience teaching in secondary school. These same faculty deliver professional educational courses, as well. Thus, students with a strong interest in teaching mathematics in grades 7-12 are mentored/taught by faculty whose research interests center on teaching and learning mathematics. Students who seek further information regarding a major in Mathematics Education should contact the Mathematics Education Program Coordinator. Dr. Barbara Ferguson
(770) 423-6349 bferguso@ksumail.kennesaw.edu
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