Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers 4th ed.
Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers Explorations 4th ed.
Tom Bassarear, Houghton Mifflin.
Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics
Liping Ma, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

The goal of this course is to expose you to the mathematical content you are expected to teach in elementary school. We will cover chapters 1-5 with some sections omitted. The format of class meetings will include lectures, explorations, and group work.

If you need help in the course, please do not hesitate to ask me. I will be available during office hours and will gladly meet with you at other times, if necessary. Also, I encourage you to discuss the material with your peers. The department also offers a free, walk-in, tutoring service:

     Math Learning Center, Dunn Hall 143, Tel: (901) 678-2704.
     Hours: M-Th 8am to 7pm, and Friday 8am to 11am.

The 3 lowest Homework/Group exercises or the lowest + in-class exams will be dropped (whichever results in the better grade).

Plus/minus grades will be used. The following table gives the minimum score necessary for a given grade.

Individual Homework - Your reasoning and explanations are the most important aspect of your homework assignments. Homework should be neat and handed in on time. Late homework will not be accepted.

Group exercises - Sometimes in class I will give group assignments that will be due at the end of that day's class. One solution set from each group will be graded and each person in that group will receive the same grade. Your participation in group assignments will enrich your understanding of the course.

Writing assignment - This will require a 3-5 page typed response. More guidelines will be given when this assignment is set.

Quizzes - Occasionally, you will be given a quiz that resembles your homework assignments. The quizzes will occur at the beginning of class and will take about 10 minutes.

Exams - Your attendance is expected at all exams. There will be no make-up exams. Inform me at the earliest opportunity if you expect that you will not be able to attend an exam.