Focusing on Algebraic Thinking Through Lesson Study in Grades 3-8 (EDUC 597: Special Topics)
Registration is closed.
This course will allow a group of teachers the chance to learn and practice a Japanese lesson study approach to mathematics instruction while earning three graduate credits. The course begins with a four-day, face-to-face session at the GMU Loudoun County Campus in Sterling, VA, and continues with both synchronous and asynchronous online activities throughout the fall semester. Participants will use the lesson study approach to implement lesson plans from Illuminations.
- Focus on developing students' algebraic thinking
- Learn and practice a lesson study approach to mathematics instruction
- Interact with other teachers in face-to-face and electronic formats
- Implement lesson plans from the Illuminations Web site
- Earn three graduate credits
Participants must have access to a classroom at the appropriate grade level (grades 3-8) in order to implement the lesson studies during the fall 2008 semester. In addition, there are Technology Requirements for participation in the course.
Graduate Credit
- Earn three graduate-level course credits from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia
- Participants may request transcripts from George Mason University after course completion, which will list this course as EDUC 597: Special Topics: Focusing on Algebraic Thinking Through Lesson Study in Grades 3-8
- Registration fee includes the tuition cost, regardless of Virginia residency status
- Course credit requires completion of the entire course and all assignments
Course Assignments
- Collaborative Planning Activity
This assignment will take place during the face-to-face session. Small groups will be given a topic to design an activity using a specific structure introduced in the course. - Discussion Participation
Participants are required to participate in all discussions including face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous online. - Leading a Discussion
Participants in small groups will lead one synchronous online discussion. - Lesson Implementation
Participants will implement four selected lesson plans during the course. - Written Lesson Study Reflections
Participants are required to reflect on the teaching experience following the implementation of each of the four selected lesson plans using a Japanese Lesson Study approach. - Enhanced Lesson Plan
Participants will create an enhanced version of one of the four selected lesson plans with their small group. - Dissemination Plan
Participants will develop a plan for sharing their knowledge and experience related to lesson study with colleagues.
Course participants will receive detailed information about each assignment during the face-to-face session in August.
Course Instructors
Jennifer Suh, Ph.D.
Jenn is a teacher educator and former elementary math teacher who specialized in mathematics for upper elementary grades. She has authored NCTM Illuminations lessons and journal articles for Teaching Children Mathematics.
Monique C. Lynch, Ph.D.
Monique is the Director of Professional Development Programs and Services at NCTM. Monique is a former teacher of mathematics at the secondary level and professor of mathematics education at the college level.
