Graduate Diploma in Mathematics & Science

Teaching

Douglas CollegeNew Westminster Campus

Fall 2013 Information

MotivationPerception that elementary and middle-

school teachers are often severely under-prepared for the tasks of teaching math and science

Call from the College for innovative programs that would attract new students and meet community needs

Success of Sports Science Graduate Diploma in Physical Education

Aims“The aim of the program is to

improve the quality of mathematics and science teaching in elementary and middle schools, instilling within teachers the confidence and skills to become mathematics and science leaders in their classrooms, schools and districts.”

Aims continued“In order to achieve this aim, the

program balances between two enabling objectives:Improving teachers’ understanding of

mathematics and science.Providing opportunities for experienced

teachers to explore their own and others’ teaching successes in order to improve their teaching methodologies and resources.”

Target AudienceCertified, practising teachers

Ideally elementary/middle-school focussed

(Likely) weak in content knowledge

Interested in obtaining TQS upgrade and the associated pay-raise

Graduates will:Create interesting and innovative

mathematics and science units/lessons based on strong subject knowledge and deep understanding of the aims and goals of the BC curriculum.

Have an expanded practical toolbox of teaching, integration and assessment techniques, making their classroom mathematics and science engaging and relevant.

Graduates will:Be champions of mathematics and science

within their classrooms, schools, and districts.

Be eligible for TQS upgrading.

The ProgramSix courses, one per semester over 2 yearsCourses:

MSTE 5110: Teaching Biology and Earth Science

MSTE 5120: Teaching Chemistry and PhysicsMSTE 5130: Teaching MathematicsMSTE 5210: Mathematics & Science in

Popular CultureMSTE 5220: Contemporary Issues in

Mathematics and Science TeachingMSTE 5230: Engaging Students in

Mathematics and Science

General Course Format5 credits per course

Hybrid format: combination of face-to-face and on-line

5130, 5210, & 5220 : 3 hours face-to-face per week plus on-line work (additional 2 – 3 hours per week)

5110 & 5120: 6 hours face-to-face every other week plus on-line work (additional 2 – 3 hours per week)

5230: individualised capstone project

MSTE 5130 Teaching MathematicsExamination of K-12 curriculum

Understanding of its overall rationaleConnections between topics through the levels

Address challenges of:Teaching math skills, conceptual development,

problem-solving, math across the curriculum, assessment

Teachers’ own mathematical misconceptions

Hands-on laboratory experiencesThemes:

How scientific knowledge is acquired, organized and retrieved

Major paradigm shifts of the last two millennia (energy, matter, atomic structure, electromagnetic waves and modern quantum physics)

Energy: its generation and relevance to current environmental issues

MSTE 5120 Teaching Chemistry and Physics

MSTE 5110 Teaching Biology and Earth Science

Themes:How scientific knowledge is acquired,

organized and retrievedPlant and animal identificationAnatomy, physiology, and functional

relationships of organismsEnvironmental issuesClassification of rocks and minerals;

fossil identificationEarth systems and global changeHuman dependence on natural

resources

Hands-on laboratory experiences and field trips

MSTE 5210 Mathematics and Science in Popular CultureStudy of a wide variety of popular culture media

in order to: Examine portrayals of

mathematicians and scientists in popular culture and consider implications thereof

Raise awareness in teachers to enable them to enrich their instruction related to math and science across the curriculum

Discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues

Topics selected based on group interests (e.g. aboriginal issues, gender issues, assessment, learning theories, technology use)

Development of research skills

MSTE 5220 Contemporary Issues in Mathematics and Science Education

MSTE 5230 Engaging Students in Mathematics and Science

Synthesis of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

An individual project or set of projects is completed in consultation with a faculty member

Key words: “practical” and “synthesis”

Some student comments:

The courses have made me think about math and science in a fresh way.  I am planning lessons in math and science that involve me thinking out of my old box.  There is a lot of room for fun, play, enjoyment in math and science and the MSTE program has brought that to the forefront!

--Kate

My biggest concern about the program was having the time to actually do it, but I have found that many of the activities and assignments are directly transferable to the classroom, so in a sense I have been combining the course work with my planning for the classroom. The course is challenging, but definitely "do-able". I have also enjoyed coming together with my peers to discuss the trials, tribulations and successes of teaching math and science in the elementary classroom.

--Michelle

Current InstructorsSusan Oesterle (Mathematics and

Contemporary Issues) PDP; MSc (Mathematics); PhD(Mathematics

Education)

Jennifer Kirkey (Physics) MSc (Physics); 20+ years as “Scientist in the

Schools”; Instructional Skills Workshop Facilitator for 15 years

Paul O’Connor (Chemistry) PhD (Chemistry); Certificate in Technology-Based

Distributed Learning (UBC Faculty of Education)

Morgan Whitehouse (Biology) BSc (Biology and Earth & Environmental Science),

BEd(Minor in Secondary Mathematics Education), MSc (Biology), BC Certified Teacher

Jim Milross (Earth Science) BSc (Geophysics), MEd (Curriculum & Instruction),

20+ years high school teaching experience, co-author of Earth Science unit for K-12 program for the Pan Canadian Science Project

Doris Baltruschat (Popular Culture) BA (Joint Major in Communication & Latin American

Studies), BEd(Elementary), MA (Mass Communications), PhD (Communication), BC Certified Teacher

More information

The next intake is Fall 2013. Registration is now open. Deadline: May

31, 2013.

For more information about the program, contact the program coordinator:

Susan Oesterleoesterles @douglascollege.ca

Phone: 604-527-5221