Mathematics Education, Master of Science

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Purpose Statement
 
The purpose of the NAU M.S. Mathematics Education program is to advance the understandings and methods of practicing secondary mathematics teachers.  M.S. Mathematics Education program courses are offered via Distance Learning to accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals.  The program emphasizes rigorous understanding and connections between university and secondary mathematics content in grades 8 - 14 so that mathematics teachers understand the development of, relationship between, and application of mathematical concepts within and beyond the field of mathematics and the real world.  The M.S. Mathematics Education program also connects theory and research to instructional practice in the areas of curriculum, assessment, technology, equity, and problem solving. Throughout the program, and as a capstone project, candidates are expected to plan, apply, and reflect on the implementation of program ideas to existing practice. Graduates from this program are well prepared to be mathematics educators and teacher leaders. 
 
Student Learning Outcomes
 
 Accomplished mathematics teachers acknowledge and value individuality and worth of each student, believe that every student can learn and use mathematics, and use their knowledge of human development and individual students to guide their planning and instructional decisions.  Accomplished mathematics teachers are committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all students - especially in their learning of mathematics and understand the impact or prior mathematical knowledge, home life, cultural background, individual learning differences, and student attitudes have on students and their mathematics learning.  
  
Accomplished mathematics teachers have a deep and broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques, and reasoning methods of mathematics, and they use this knowledge to inform curricular goals and shape their instruction and assessment.  They understand significant connections among mathematical ideas and the applications of these ideas to problem solving in mathematics, in other disciplines, and in the world outside of school.  
 
Knowledge of the Practice of Teaching
 
Accomplished mathematics teachers use their knowledge of pedagogy along with their knowledge of mathematics and student learning to inform curricular decisions; select, design, and develop instructional strategies and assessment plans; and choose materials and resources for mathematics instruction.  Accomplished mathematics teachers stimulate and facilitate student learning by using a wide range of practices. 
 
Learning Environment

Accomplished mathematics teachers create environments in which students are active learners, show willingness to take intellectual risks, develop self-confidence, and value mathematics.  This environment fosters student learning of mathematics.  
 
Ways of Thinking Mathematically
 
Accomplished mathematics teachers develop their own and their students' abilities to reason and think mathematically-to investigate and explore patterns, to discover structures and establish mathematical relationships, to formulate and solve problems, to justify and communicate conclusions, and to question and extend those conclusions. 
 
Assessment
 
Accomplished mathematics teachers integrate a range of assessment methods into their instruction to promote the learning of all students by designing, selecting, and ethically employing assessments that align with educational goals.  They provide opportunities for students to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in order to revise, support, and extend their individual performance. 
 
Reflection and Growth
 
To improve practice, accomplished mathematics teachers regularly reflect on what they teach, how they teach, and how their teaching impacts student learning.  They keep abreast of changes and learn new mathematics and mathematical pedagogy, continually improving their knowledge and practice.