Math 266, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, Spring 2006

This is a mathematics content course for prospective elementary school teachers. The goal of this course is to build a solid understanding of the mathematics of grades K through 6. Such an understanding sees mathematics as a rational enterprise in which all concepts can be explained logically from a small core of ideas based in everyday experience. This understanding of mathematics is the foundation on which successful teaching of mathematics must build. Starting with an analysis of whole numbers and counting, the course develops the ideas of numeration, whole number arithmetic, elementary number theory needed for fractions, arithmetic of fractions, decimals, percentage, probability, statistics, ratio and proportion. Measurement and geometry are used as a source of applications. The number line is used throughout as a means to visualize the concepts of number and arithmetic and how they relate to their applications.

Class times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 - 11:30 am
Classroom: 111 Cupples I
Instructor: Gary R. Jensen
Office: 104 Cupples I
Phone: 935-6302
e-mail: gary@math.wustl.edu
Office Hours: MWF 5-5:30, TT 11:30-noon, and by appointment, in 104 Cupples I.