The Master of Science in Mathematics for Teachers (MS-MTCH) program includes, as part of the degree requirements, completion of a mathematics curriculum project. In this independent research project, the candidate will explore a mathematical topic and will develop and classroom-test curriculum materials related to that topic.
Time Frame
The MS-MTCH candidate should start the project at least two terms prior to completion of the degree, in order to allow for testing of the curriculum materials at optimal times during the school year.
Project Proposal
In preparing to develop a project proposal, the candidate should:
- Identify the area of mathematics in which he/she wishes to do the project;
- Discuss possible topics with faculty with interest or expertise in that area and ask a faculty member to serve as project adviser;
- Explore several possible specific topics within the area, through readings, journal searches, etc., and, with the advice of the adviser, identify a specific project;
- Write the project proposal (see project proposal form), identifying the specific mathematical topic to be explored, the type of curriculum materials (including grade levels and/or courses in which they will be used);
- Identify, with help of the project adviser, the other one or two faculty to serve on the project committee;
- File project proposal sign-off sheet (see project proposal form), signed by the candidate, the project adviser, and the committee members, and the project abstract, with the MS-MTCH coordinator. Copies should be attached to the departmental copy of the By-Arrangement form, and given to the candidate;
- Register for the course.
Course Registration
Once the project proposal has been signed and filed, the student registers for MTH 501 as a By-Arrangement course. See the courses page for instructions on how to register for By Arrangement credits. The course number used should be Mth 501. The course title and description should reflect the project proposal. Generally, the title will be something like “Res: Crystallography Curr.” or some similar title, indicating both that it is a Curriculum Research Project and specifying the mathematical topic of the project. In order for the registration to be approved by the MS-MTCH Coordinator, the signed project proposal must be on file with the department. The instructor of record for the course is the project adviser. The grade option used is A-F.
Three credits of MTH 501 are required for the MS-MTCH degree.
Committee Responsibilities
The project adviser will be instructor of record for the MTH 501 “By Arrangement” Mathematics Curriculum Research course. The adviser will advise the candidate in selecting a specific topic; recommend sources of information; assist the candidate in selecting other committee members; review drafts of the project; consult with other committee members about project review, scheduling of the presentation, and final grade; and make sure copies are properly submitted before turning in final grade. Responsibilities of the committee members include consulting with candidate about the project, reviewing drafts of project, attending colloquium, and consulting with adviser about final approval of project and grade.
Project Grade
Until the project is completed, the grade of “In Progress” will be assigned. When the completed project is approved by the committee, the colloquium given, and the original and copies submitted to the graduate program administrator and the 501 committee members, the grade will be submitted by the project adviser, based on the quality of the overall project and colloquium.
Project Components
Mathematics content
As a project for graduate mathematics credit, the project should have a clear mathematical focus. In general, the mathematics included will be at the level appropriate as background material for other teachers or MS-MTCH students who want to know more about the development of the topic and it will include a summary of major results and processes, together with appropriate explanation and justification. The approach to the mathematics should reflect and relate to the approach taken in the curriculum materials.
Curriculum material
The curriculum materials developed should be appropriate for the level of students and classes the candidate is teaching or is interested in teaching. It will generally be at the middle school, high school, or community college level. The curriculum materials may include materials developed by the candidate, materials adapted from other sources, and materials taken from other sources. Materials adapted from other sources should give credit to the original source(s). Permission from the publisher must be obtained for use of materials in the project which are taken from other sources. Included in the project should be background teacher information which may be helpful for other teachers interested in using the materials in their own classroom. This may include specification of prerequisites, suggestions for placement in the curriculum, hints for effective teaching, lists of needed equipment or materials, alternative problem solutions, and other comments which may be useful for the teacher. Full solutions to problems in the curriculum materials should be included. Materials should also be developed to assess student achievement.
Testing of materials
The materials developed should be tried out in settings with grade-level appropriate students, and evaluated and revised based on such trials. Testing can take place in the candidate’s own classrooms, if he/she is currently teaching. Other options also include borrowing a class in which to try out the materials or arranging for other teachers to test and critique the materials in their classes. A description of the testing, revision, and evaluation of the materials should be included in the project.
Presentation
A 50-minute colloquium will be presented in the Mathematics & Statistics Department to share results of the project. All committee members must approve a “close to final” draft of the project prior to scheduling of the presentation. The presentation will provide some background about the mathematics involved and the development and testing of the curriculum materials. The colloquium presentation is expected to model exemplary teaching methods.
Submission of written materials
Copies of the completed written project must given to the committee members for approval A PDF of the 501 committee approved version of the project must be emailed to the Graduate Program Administrator. This PDF will be stored electronically by the department and, with the student's consent, made available upon request to other mathematics & statistics graduate students.
Examples of MS-MTCH 501 Projects
The Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Student shared Google Drive contains 501 projects that students have generously offered to share with current mathematics and statistics graduate students. You will need to be logged in with your ODIN account to access the folder. If you believe your should have access but cannot get to the folder with your ODIN login, please email. the Graduate Program Administrator.
Updated Spring 2016