Forum (EDC 185G) Spring 2005 (#08465)
Reasoning, Justification, and Argumentation in Science and Mathematics Classrooms

 

Instructor: Jennifer Christian Smith
Office: SZB 462B
Phone: 232-9682
Email: jenn.smith@mail.utexas.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 , Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 , and by appointment
AIM: drjennsmith

Course Description:

This will be a reading course focusing on reasoning, justification, and argumentation in K-12 and college science and mathematics classrooms. More specifically, we'll discuss readings over the following topics:

  1. Individual learners' reasoning and justification strategies in math and science in classroom and clinical settings.
  2. Argumentation and classroom discourse: students' reasoning, justification, and argumentation in math and science classes; how students collectively build understanding through argumentation.
  3. Building a community of inquiry in the science and math classroom: focus on what teachers do to create a climate in which students are comfortable challenging each other's ideas and learning via inquiry.

 

Course Information:

•  Meets Tuesdays 12:00-1:00 in SZB 312
•  A packet of course readings is available at IT Copy.

Course Policies:

•  Attendance is the responsibility of each class participant. More than one absence may 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.

•  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/

 

Course Evaluation:

Your grade in this course will be based 75% on your participation and 25% on your presentation of one course paper. You will choose one paper from the reading list and will be in charge of organizing the class discussion that day. You may plan a short activity to generate dialogue, if you wish. Please be prepared to sign up for a paper to present on January 25 .

The following rubric describes how participation will be evaluated:

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 classmates.

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 classmates.

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.