Graduate Diploma in Mathematics & Science Teaching
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Transcript of Graduate Diploma in Mathematics & Science Teaching
Graduate Diploma in Mathematics & Science
Teaching
Douglas CollegeNew Westminster Campus
Fall 2013 Information
MotivationPerception that elementary and middle-school
teachers are often severely under-prepared for the tasks of teaching math and science
Call from the College for innovative programs that would attract new students and meet community needs
Success of Sports Science Graduate Diploma in Physical Education
Aims“The aim of the program is to
improve the quality of mathematics and science teaching in elementary and middle schools, instilling within teachers the confidence and skills to become mathematics and science leaders in their classrooms, schools and districts.”
Aims continued“In order to achieve this aim, the
program balances between two enabling objectives:Improving teachers’ understanding of
mathematics and science.Providing opportunities for experienced
teachers to explore their own and others’ teaching successes in order to improve their teaching methodologies and resources.”
Target AudienceCertified, practising teachersIdeally elementary/middle-
school focussed(Likely) weak in content
knowledgeInterested in obtaining TQS
upgrade and the associated pay-raise
Graduates will:Create interesting and innovative
mathematics and science units/lessons based on strong subject knowledge and deep understanding of the aims and goals of the BC curriculum.
Have an expanded practical toolbox of teaching, integration and assessment techniques, making their classroom mathematics and science engaging and relevant.
Graduates will:Be champions of mathematics and science
within their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Be eligible for TQS upgrading.
The ProgramSix courses, one per semester over 2 yearsCourses:
MSTE 5110: Teaching Biology and Earth Science
MSTE 5120: Teaching Chemistry and PhysicsMSTE 5130: Teaching MathematicsMSTE 5210: Mathematics & Science in
Popular CultureMSTE 5220: Contemporary Issues in
Mathematics and Science TeachingMSTE 5230: Engaging Students in
Mathematics and Science
General Course Format5 credits per courseHybrid format: combination of face-to-face
and on-line5130, 5210, & 5220 : 3 hours face-to-face
per week plus on-line work (additional 2 – 3 hours per week)
5110 & 5120: 6 hours face-to-face every other week plus on-line work (additional 2 – 3 hours per week)
5230: individualised capstone project
MSTE 5130 Teaching MathematicsExamination of K-12 curriculum
Understanding of its overall rationaleConnections between topics through the levels
Address challenges of:Teaching math skills, conceptual development,
problem-solving, math across the curriculum, assessment
Teachers’ own mathematical misconceptions
Hands-on laboratory experiencesThemes:
How scientific knowledge is acquired, organized and retrieved
Major paradigm shifts of the last two millennia (energy, matter, atomic structure, electromagnetic waves and modern quantum physics)
Energy: its generation and relevance to current environmental issues
MSTE 5120 Teaching Chemistry and Physics
MSTE 5110 Teaching Biology and Earth Science
Themes:How scientific knowledge is acquired,
organized and retrievedPlant and animal identificationAnatomy, physiology, and functional
relationships of organismsEnvironmental issuesClassification of rocks and minerals;
fossil identificationEarth systems and global changeHuman dependence on natural resources
Hands-on laboratory experiences and field trips
MSTE 5210 Mathematics and Science in Popular CultureStudy of a wide variety of popular culture media
in order to: Examine portrayals of
mathematicians and scientists in popular culture and consider implications thereof
Raise awareness in teachers to enable them to enrich their instruction related to math and science across the curriculum
Discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues
Topics selected based on group interests (e.g. aboriginal issues, gender issues, assessment, learning theories, technology use)
Development of research skills
MSTE 5220 Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Education
MSTE 5230 Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science
Synthesis of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
An individual project or set of projects is completed in consultation with a faculty member
Key words: “practical” and “synthesis”
Some student comments:The courses have made me think about
math and science in a fresh way. I am planning lessons in math and science that involve me thinking out of my old box. There is a lot of room for fun, play, enjoyment in math and science and the MSTE program has brought that to the forefront!
--Kate
My biggest concern about the program was having the time to actually do it, but I have found that many of the activities and assignments are directly transferable to the classroom, so in a sense I have been combining the course work with my planning for the classroom. The course is challenging, but definitely "do-able". I have also enjoyed coming together with my peers to discuss the trials, tribulations and successes of teaching math and science in the elementary classroom.--Michelle
Current InstructorsSusan Oesterle (Mathematics and
Contemporary Issues) PDP; MSc (Mathematics); PhD(Mathematics
Education)
Jennifer Kirkey (Physics) MSc (Physics); 20+ years as “Scientist in the
Schools”; Instructional Skills Workshop Facilitator for 15 years
Paul O’Connor (Chemistry) PhD (Chemistry); Certificate in Technology-Based
Distributed Learning (UBC Faculty of Education)
Morgan Whitehouse (Biology) BSc (Biology and Earth & Environmental Science),
BEd(Minor in Secondary Mathematics Education), MSc (Biology), BC Certified Teacher
Jim Milross (Earth Science) BSc (Geophysics), MEd (Curriculum & Instruction), 20+
years high school teaching experience, co-author of Earth Science unit for K-12 program for the Pan Canadian Science Project
Doris Baltruschat (Popular Culture) BA (Joint Major in Communication & Latin American
Studies), BEd(Elementary), MA (Mass Communications), PhD (Communication), BC Certified Teacher
More information
The next intake is Fall 2013. Registration is now open. Deadline: May
31, 2013.
For more information about the program, contact the program coordinator:
Susan Oesterleoesterles @douglascollege.ca
Phone: 604-527-5221