Mathematics and Science Educ (MSED)

MSED 200
Analysis of Classrooms

This is an introductory course providing students background in learning theory, motivation theory, classroom management, aspects of effective teaching, critical classroom variables, and the school as a system. This course includes a two-hour weekly seminar along with a practicum experience of five hours per week in an area school.

Lecture: 2 Lab: 5 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 250
Middle and Secondary Curriculum/Foundations

This course focuses on history/sociology of education, rationales, and goals of current reform efforts, curriculum design, development, and curriculum analysis. This course is designed to develop the participant's understanding of mathematics and science curricula in middle and secondary schools. Studies will include the roles of goals, standards, and learning theories in the development and selection of instructional materials, assessments, and technology. The course includes consideration of issues of equity and student diversity on middle and secondary school curricula. The course will involve readings, reflections, curriculum development, and evaluation projects.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 300
Instructional Methods/Strategies I

Discussion/laboratory oriented course that focuses on instructional planning, implementation considerations of various teaching methods, and development of instructional activities. Students are also provided with opportunities to practice instructional skills in peer teaching lessons.

Prerequisite(s): (MSED 200 and MSED 250) or (MSED 500 and MSED 554) or (MSED 500 and MSED 555)
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 320
Inquiry and Problem Solving in Mathematics and Science

This course provides students with opportunities for reflection on aspects of inquiry and problem solving and nature of science and mathematics. It provides background for student development of instructional materials focusing on inquiry/problem solving, nature of science/mathematics, and how to modify and differentiate instructional materials to include the participation of all students. Must have received a passing score on the ISBE Basic Skills Exam.

Prerequisite(s): (MSED 200 and MSED 250) or (MSED 500 and MSED 554) or (MSED 500 and MSED 555)
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 350
Advanced Methods for Inclusive Instruction and Practicum

This course will help students develop an understanding of the roles community resources and informal settings can play in math/science achievement and the ability to create instructional materials that capitalize on the use of these resources to better design instructional materials and experiences to meet the diverse needs of their students. Students spend approximately five hours per week in an informal education venue (e.g., museum, aquarium, zoo) along with a weekly two-hour, on-campus course per week. Students will reflect on how their students can learn in informal settings, teaching to public student audiences and designing curricular materials. Assessments will include the development of a curriculum unit that includes formal and informal lessons.

Prerequisite(s): (MSED 200 and MSED 250 and MSED 300) or (MSED 300 and MSED 500 and MSED 554) or (MSED 300 and MSED 500 and MSED 555)
Lecture: 2 Lab: 5 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 400
Instructional Methods/Strategies II

Follow-up course to Instructional Methods/Strategies I with a strong focus in various advanced instructional models such as inductive, deductive, problem solving, and inquiry role development as well as cooperative learning and assessment. The course will emphasize the development, implementation, and assessment of differentiated instructional materials and plans that are consistent with current cognitive and social theories on student learning and personal development for all aspects of intellectual, social, and emotional development of all students regardless of cultural, social, and ethnic background. Students will have several opportunities to practice instructional models in peer teaching lessons.

Prerequisite(s): MSED 300 or Graduate standing
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 450
Professional Internship

Capstone experience in which students assume continuous teaching responsibilities in at least three classes in an area school. Students will spend a full semester in the area school under the supervision of a classroom teacher and university supervisor. Students must have received a passing score of the ISBE Content Exam and faculty approval.

Prerequisite(s): MSED 300 and (MSED 320 or MSED 538) and (MSED 350 or MSED 540) and MSED 400
Lecture: 0 Lab: 40 Credits: 6
Satisfies: Communications (C)
MSED 480
Adolescent Psychology

This course is designed to develop the participants' understanding of adolescent psychology. The main foci throughout the course are the unique aspects of adolescents and how those aspects influence behavior, learning, and social interactions, especially with regard to middle schools. Studies will include educational psychology theories and models, motivation and learning, developmental changes during adolescence, cognitive abilities, human ecology, diversity, and cultures. Additionally, participants will examine historical and philosophical perspectives of adolescent psychology and synthesize how these perspectives have influenced teaching, learning, and cultures in middle schools. The course will involve weekly readings and reflections, classroom experiences, short assignments, tests/quizzes, research projects, and formal class presentations. Mandatory for students seeking middle school optional endorsements.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 497
Special Projects

Special projects.

Credit: Variable
MSED 500
Analysis of Classrooms II (Practicum and Seminar)

This course includes a two-hour seminar on campus each week along with approximately five hours per week in an area school. This is an introductory course that provides students background learning theory, classroom management, aspects of effective teaching, critical classroom variables, and the school as a system.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 501
Advanced Strategies: Mathematics

A course that provides additional exposure and development of instructional strategies and models of mathematics teaching. Special emphasis is placed upon promoting critical thinking and decision making.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 502
Advanced Strategies: Science

A course that provides additional exposure and development of instructional strategies and models of science teaching. Special emphasis is placed upon promoting critical thinking and decision making.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 509
Instructional Strategies for Middle School Mathematics

This course addresses concerns of teaching grades 5 through 8 math by considering the social and psychological characteristics of students in transition from elementary to high school mathematics. The course uses a focus on rational number and reasoning (topics that span middle school curriculum) to study students' development of powerful representational systems and conceptual flexibility. Participants will learn about building mathematical community in which students construct mathematical evidence for claims of perceived regularities and patterns on logical reasoning and mathematical thinking. Participants will select, adapt, and design math tasks to serve instructional purposes and will learn what it means to build an ongoing assessment system that integrates self, peer, teacher, and formative/summative assessment into best practice.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 510
Problem Based Algebra

Algebra is taught via a problem solving approach with connections to other topic areas such as geometry, statistics and probability. Explorations with and conjecturing about number relationships and functions provide experiences from which students develop algebraic habits of mind: Doing and undoing (algebraic thinking that involves reflective or reverse algebraic reasoning, doing problems and organizing data to representation situations in which input is related to output by well-defined functional rules); and abstracting from computation (developing the capacity to think about computations independently of particular numbers used). Instructor permission required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 511
Problem Based Number Theory

Number theory is taught via a problem solving approach with connections to geometry, logic, and probability. Explorations with and conjecturing about number patterns provide experiences from which students study various topics including the following: factors, primes, and prime factorization; counting techniques; greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple (LCM); divisibility; number patterns (e.g., Pascal's triangle, polygonal numbers, Pythagorean triples, Fibonacci numbers); Diophantine equations; remainder classes and modular arithmetic; iteration, recursion, and mathematical induction. Basic algebra and instructor permission required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 512
Philosophy of Science: Key Topics and Applications to K-12 Science Education

This course presents fundamental topics and key issues from philosophy of science (e.g., explanation, representation/models, evidence, laws and causation, confirmation/inductive logic, etc.). The goal of the course is to enrich teachers' understanding of philosophy of science so that they will be better prepared to design instructions both about science content and about NOS and NOSI. To achieve this, each course is explicitly linked to particular subject matter and concepts and/or NOS or NOSI ideas. Teachers will be facilitated to see why and how philosophy of science can inform science instruction.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 513
Problem Based Statistics and Probability

This course emphasizes statistics and probability as practical subjects devoted to obtaining and processing data with a view toward making statements that often extend beyond the data. These statements (i.e., inferences) take the form of estimates, confidence intervals, significance tests, etc. The content of this course is concerned with the production of good data, and involves consideration of experimental designs and sample surveys. The activities have their origin in real data and are concerned with processing the data in the widest contexts and with a wide variety of applications such as social, administrative, medical, the physical sciences and the biological sciences. Basic Algebra and Instructor permission required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 514
Problem-Based Geometry

Geometry is taught via problem solving with connections to other topic areas such as algebra and number theory. Explorations of and conjecturing about fundamental concepts of Euclidean geometry in two and three dimensions and their application provide experiences from which students study various topics including the following: properties and relationships of geometric objects; geometric proof; area and volume; transformations, symmetry, and tessellations; trigonometric ratios; and visual modeling of algebraic operations as well as algebraic abstract concepts.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 517
Problem-Based Calculus

This course is focused on the development of foundational ideas, concepts, and methods of introductory calculus and its basic applications with emphasis on various problem-solving strategies, visualization, mathematical modeling, and connections to algebra, geometry, number theory, and logic relevant to the middle school mathematics curriculum. Explorations with the SimCalc software and conjecturing about linking graphs, tables, and concrete to represent dynamic situations provide experiences from which students study various topics including the following: linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs; limits and continuity; rate of change, slope, tangent, and derivative; area under a curve and integration; and elements of infinite series.

Prerequisite(s): MSED 510 with min. grade of C and (MSED 514 with min. grade of C or MSED 320 with min. grade of C or MSED 520 with min. grade of C)
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 518
History of Science: Key Episodes, Topics, and Applications to K-12 Science Education

This course presents fundamental topics and key issues from history of science (the organization of science, science and religion, science and technology, scientific revolutions, etc.). The goal of the course is to enrich teachers' understanding of history of science so that they will be better prepared to design instructions both about science content and about NOS and NOSI. To achieve this, each course is explicitly linked to particular subject matter and concepts and/or NOS or NOSI ideas. Teachers will be facilitated to see why and how history of science can inform science instruction.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 520
Geometry

The course is focused on selected topics related to fundamental ideas and methods of Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean geometry, and differential geometry in two and three dimensions and their applications with emphasis on various problem-solving strategies, geometric proof, visualization, and interrelation of different areas of mathematics. Permission of the instructor is required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 521
Perspectives in Analysis

This course is focused on selected topics related to fundamental concepts and methods of classic analysis and their applications with emphasis on various problem-solving strategies, visualization, mathematical modeling, and interrelation of different areas of mathematics. Instructor permission required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 524
Get Energized -- Physical Science

Get Energized is designed to help teachers become more proficient in key physical science concepts related to energy. Teachers can increase their comfort level in teaching energy related topics such as light, mechanical, heat, sound, and electrical. Each full-day workshop focuses on a particular energy topic and explores how that topic can be brought back to the classroom in an engaging way. This program also explores how to further the interaction of inquiry-based teaching methods into the classroom as well as the multiple ways that an informal institution can be used to further the curriculum objectives established. Major topics include energy transformation, potential and kinetic energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, sound, and thermal. The course meets during the academic year, six sessions, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 3 Credits: 3
MSED 530
Teacher Education/Professional Development in Science

A course that stresses the empirical research on best practices in teacher education and professional development in science.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 531
Teacher Education/Professional Development in Mathematics

A course that stresses the empirical research on best practices in teacher education and professional development in mathematics.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 538
Inquiry and Problem Solving

A group of authentic inquiry experiences supervised by practicing scientists or mathematicians.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 540
Informal Education Practicum

Placement in an informal educational setting such as museums and outdoor education. The focus of this course is on the use of informal setting to supplement classroom instruction.

Lecture: 2 Lab: 5 Credits: 3
MSED 545
Statistics for Educators I

Part one of a two-part course. The course provides concepts and methods of gathering, describing and drawing conclusions from data. Statistical reasoning, probability, sampling, regression, correlation, forecasting, nonparametric statistics, conceptions and misconceptions about statistics, problem solving techniques and current research are included throughout the course.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 546
Statistics for Educators II

Part two of a two-part course. Statistical reasoning, probability, sampling, regression, correlation, forecasting, nonparametric statistics, conceptions and misconceptions about statistics, problem solving techniques and current research are included throughout the course.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 550
Clinical Supervision in Science/Mathematics

Provides for the development of a variety of classroom observation techniques and clinical supervision skills.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 552
Assessment and Evaluation

Contemporary assessment and evaluation theory and the development of valid cognitive, affective, and psychomotor assessment items/tasks. In-depth attention is given to the development and scoring of alternative assessment techniques such as portfolios and projects.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 554
Middle and Secondary Level Science Curriculum

This course will develop a functional understanding of various factors that influence the development and direction of middle and secondary science curricula. Students will become familiar with strategies to integrate language arts, reading, and writing in the content area of science. Students will apply knowledge of subject matter, curriculum development, and curriculum theory to construct a hypothetical curriculum. Current trends, history of these trends, and rationales for science curriculum reform will be examined.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 555
Middle and Secondary Level Mathematics Curriculum

This course will develop a functional understanding of various factors that influence the development and direction of middle and secondary mathematics curricula. Students will become familiar with strategies to integrate language arts, reading, and writing in the content area of mathematics. Students will apply knowledge of subject matter, curriculum development, and curriculum theory to construct a hypothetical curriculum. Current trends, history of these trends, and rationales for mathematics curriculum reform will be examined.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 562
Action Research I

Reviewing, designing, and conducting research studies within the context of the students' own teaching.

Credit: Variable
MSED 563
Action Research II

Reviewing, designing, and conducting research studies within the context of the students' own teaching. This course is a continuation of MSED 562.

Lecture: 0 Lab: 3 Credits: 3
MSED 564
Action Research III

Reviewing, designing, and conducting research studies within the context of the students' own teaching. This course is a continuation of MSED 562 and MSED 563.

Lecture: 0 Lab: 3 Credits: 3
MSED 580
Adolescent Psychology

This course is designed to develop the participants' understanding of adolescent psychology. The main foci throughout the course are the unique aspects of adolescents and how those aspects influence behavior, learning, and social interactions, especially with regard to middle schools. Studies will include educational psychology theories and models, motivation and learning, developmental changes during adolescence, cognitive abilities, human ecology, diversity, and cultures. Additionally, participants will examine historical and philosophical perspectives of adolescent psychology and synthesize how these perspectives have influenced teaching, learning, and cultures in middle schools. The course will involve weekly readings and reflections, classroom experiences, short assignments, tests/quizzes, research projects, and formal class presentations. Requires admission into the secondary mathematics teacher certification program or instructor permission.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 591
Research and Thesis M.S.

A course that provides the guidance and opportunity for authentic research projects in Science or Mathematics Education to fulfill thesis requirements for MS Candidates.

Credit: Variable
MSED 594
Special Projects

Advanced projects involving independent study, and especially fieldwork and modeling projects. (Variable: 1-6)

Credit: Variable
MSED 597
Special Problems

Current problems in science/mathematics education. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Credit: Variable
MSED 598
Methods of College Teaching in Mathematics and Science

The course is designed to allow each student to develop the theoretical background, practical knowledge, and skills for successful college level mathematics or science teaching. Specific emphasis will be placed upon instructional methods/models, curriculum development, and instructional planning.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 599
College Teaching Practicum

The purpose of the course is to enhance college level teacher preparation with an advanced learning experience joining together theory and practice. This course provides the student the opportunity to practice and improve knowledge and skills at teaching. The student may actively participate or act as an observer at a different college. In addition, students are required to prepare a Portfolio. The Portfolio provides the student an opportunity to demonstrate a readiness for teaching that describes their efforts and progress in preparing to teach science or mathematics at the college level.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 601
Critical Analysis in Quantitative Research

A study of quantitative research designs and analytical procedures with critical analysis of perspectives of research in science/mathematics education.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 602
Quantitative Research Design and Practicum

A study of quantitative research designs, analytical procedures, and in-depth analysis with specific applications in science/mathematics education.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 603
Critical Analysis in Qualitative Research

A study of qualitative research designs and analytical procedures with critical analysis of perspectives of research in science/mathematics education.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 604
Qualitative Research Design and Praticum

A study of qualitative research designs, analytical procedures, and in-depth analysis with specific applications in science/mathematics education.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
MSED 691
Ph.D. Thesis Research

A course that provides the guidance and opportunity for authentic research projects in Science or Mathematics Education to fulfill thesis requirements for PhD Candidates. Instructor permission required.

Credit: Variable