Instructor: Jennifer Christian Smith
Office: SZB 340E
Phone: 232-9682
Email: jenn.smith@mail.utexas.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00, Thursdays 3:00-4:00, and
by appointment
AIM: drjennsmith
Course Information:
Meets Thursdays 4:00-7:00 in SZB 312
Prerequisite: Knowing & Learning in Science and Mathematics
Required Materials:
There is a packet of readings available from IT Copy on MLK. Additional readings
are online and a few more will be made available as PDFs on Blackboard.
Course Evaluation:
Since this is a graduate-level course, students are expected to be motivated
by their own interest in the subject, rather than the pursuit of a particular
grade. Grades must be given, however, so here is how I plan to determine them.
Participation (40%): I cannot emphasize enough how important participation is in this type of course. This means attending every class, arriving on time, being prepared to discuss the readings, participating thoughtfully and positively in class discussions, and so on. See the rubric below for more specific information about how I will evaluate your participation.
Leading a class discussion (10%): Each student will work with me to plan and facilitate class discussion of one reading assignment during the semester. More information will be given in class.
Curriculum analysis project (20%): At the end of the semester, you will work with a partner to complete an analysis of a math or science curriculum of your choice. You will create a poster displaying the results of your analysis and will present your results to the class. More information to come.
Final paper (30%): You will write a 15-20 page paper on a topic related to curriculum history, development, or analysis in math or science education. There will be various parts of this due throughout the semester, and the final draft will be due on the last day of class. More information to come.
Grades for the course will be awarded based upon the following percentage points:
100 – 90% - A
89 – 80% - B
79 – 70% - C
69 – 60% - D
59 or below – F
Participation Grade Rubric
Grade |
Attendance |
Preparedness |
Participation |
A |
No absences, or one excused absence (due to an emergency or medical situation.) Always prompt. | Has clearly read the reading assignments prior to class; has reflected upon them and is prepared to discuss them. | In small and large group discussions, participates frequently and appropriately. Comments are insightful and contribute positively to the discussion. Respects and listens to the perspectives and ideas of colleagues. |
B |
One or two excused absences. Occasionally late to class. | Has clearly read the reading assignments prior to class, though has not always reflected on them or is moderately prepared to discuss them. | In small and large group discussions, sometimes participates, and participation is generally appropriate. Comments are sometimes insightful and contribute positively to the discussion. Generally, though not always, respects and listens to the perspectives and ideas of colleagues. |
C |
More than two absences, or frequently very late to class. | Has skimmed the reading assignments or has not read them, and is clearly unprepared to discuss them. | Does not participate in class discussions, or participation is frequently inappropriate. Comments are off-topic or otherwise do not contribute positively to class discussion. |
If your participation does not meet the standards for a C above, you will receive a participation grade of D. This is bad.
Course Policies:
1. Attendance is the responsibility of each class participant. Two or more absences
will reduce your grade. Please inform me in advance of your absence via phone
or email. Do not schedule make-up exams or labs, or meetings with other instructors
during class time. These will be regarded as unexcused absences.
2. Reading assignments need to be completed on time. Completion of the required
assignments will assist each class participant in engaging in the weekly conversation.
Read, reflect, and prepare in order to participate effectively in class.
Note: Any student with a cognitive or physical disability who requires academic accommodation should contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259. For information see: www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/ssd/