MATH& 171 - Mathematics for Elementary Education I

Credits: 5
Introduces problem-solving techniques, number theory, set theory, and numeration systems related to topics taught at the K-8 level. Recommended for prospective or practicing elementary and middle school teachers, paraeducators, parents, and others who help educate children in grades K-8.

Prerequisite: MATH 097 with a grade of 2.5 or higher; or appropriate math placement.

Satisfies Requirement: Natural Science and Quantitative Skills

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Apply problem solving models to number system concepts.
Identify sources of mathematics standards and summarize major strands of NCTM or Washington state standards.
Apply knowledge about features of our base ten number system to analyze other number systems and recognize common error patterns that arise when children are learning our number system.
Describe the concept of a whole number as well as relationships between them (order, divisibility, factorization, and common factors/multiples).
Use a variety of different algorithms and mental math for operations with whole numbers, integers and fractions.
Use manipulatives to represent the operations with whole numbers, integers and fractions.
Analyze common error patterns in students’ computations and demonstrate how alternative algorithms can reduce those errors.

Program Outcomes

Recognize which quantitative or symbolic reasoning methods are appropriate for solving a given problem.
Correctly implement the quantitative or symbolic reasoning methods that are appropriate for solving a given problem.
Translate data into various formats such as symbolic language, equations, graphs, and formulas.

College-wide Outcomes

Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.