Course Title: Development of Mathematics and Science Concepts in Young Children
Campus Course Code: ECED 5354
Campus: UT El Paso
Program:
Course Description
ECED 5354: Development of Mathematics and Science Concepts in Young Children is a graduate-level methods course for preservice students and teachers in service in early childhood education. Participants enrolled in ECED 5354 will learn and put into practice a developmentally appropriate approach to teaching mathematics and science to preschool and primary school children. The modules and activities in this course are presented in a developmental sequence designed to support young children’s construction of concepts and skills essential to the basic understanding of mathematics and science. Using a constructivist approach to teaching and learning, participants will create tasks at each level of development in mathematics and science and implement these activities in primary classes with young children.
Course Objectives
Students will have the opportunity to actively participate in small and large groups projects that will enable them to demonstrate their understanding of important concepts and strategies directly related to mathematics and science concept development of young children, Pre-K through Grade 4. On completion of ECED 5354, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- Critically analyze and discuss concept development in mathematics and science at different development levels and ages of young children;
- Use virtual manipulatives for teaching mathematics and create hands-on projects and experiments for teaching science;
- Effectively plan, implement, and assess different methods for engaging young learners in experiential learning activities according to individual needs;
- Become familiar with different mathematics and science education programs in English and Spanish;
- Demonstrate proficiency at applying concepts and skills learned in this course through traditional evaluation techniques (quizzes, exams) and authentic assessment techniques (experiential learning activities, portfolios).
- Connect skills and concepts learned in the course to the Texas Examination of Educator Skills (TExES) EC-4 Mathematics and Science Standards and become familiar with the TExES examination for Texas teacher certification by taking a practice TExES test;
- Observe, develop, demonstrate, and evaluate a variety of recommended instructional materials used in teaching mathematics and science to young children; and
- Participate in professional development activities that reflect educational professionalism and personal maturity, such as cooperation and collaboration, peer mentoring, information sharing, and other activities that are expected of educators in public and private schools of our state and community.
Materials
To see a complete list of materials needed for this course, as well as any important notes and instructions provided by the instructor, visit the UTTC Book Lists.
Prerequisites: Graduate in good standing
Credits:3
Level:Graduate
Faculty
Olga Kosheleva
olgak@utep.edu
915-747-7588