Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Hands-On Activities To Be Implemented Within A Title I/Lap Math Program, Margaret Rae Hancock

All Graduate Projects

The project provides middle school math teachers who work with the lower quartile of the student population at the middle school level, a handbook of strategies, methods and activity ideas to implement into the classroom to enhance student learning. The handbook allows middle school math teachers the opportunity to explore alternative teaching practices. It contains student-centered activities, which will allow the lower quartile of the student population an opportunity to have a positive experience in math, as well as taking ownership of their learning. By connecting the students prior knowledge to situations in math that the students can make a …

Meaningful Learning: Reconciling The Tensions Between Constructivist And Environmentally Sustainable Pedagogy, Nancy Van Kannel-Ray

Dissertations

Critics of constructivism argue, in many ways correctly, that this approach to education is culturally and environmentally damaging because constructivism may not develop an understanding of the interdependence between the human community and the world in which people live. Advocates for environmentally sustainable pedagogy argue the importance of understanding patterns of thinking that allow communities to live sustainably. The purpose of this study is to resolve the tensions between the two pedagogical frameworks: constructivism and environmental sustainability.

The tensions are resolved in two ways. First, there are forms of constructivism that align in viable ways with the criteria critics argue …

Fractions, Decimals, And Percents : A Fifth Grade Curriculum Unit, Jeffrey Li

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study outlines a fifth grade curriculum unit for fractions, decimals, and percents. The unit utilizes a problem-solving approach to lead to deep understanding of fractions and their relations to decimals and percents. The study is influenced by writings by Hiebert, Dewey, Piaget, \/ygotsky, and Fosnot, and uses a lesson planning format created by Hal Melnick. Four explorations drive the unit:

Exploration 1: What is a fraction?

Exploration 2: Going Deeper with Fractions

Exploration 3: Connecting Fractions to Decimals and Percents

Exploration 4: Comparing Fractional Amounts