Choose a few classrooms to observe. The Geometry class taught by Daniel Jones at the University High is especially recommended. If you don't have much observation experience yet, try to observe a variety of math courses in a variety of grade levels (but only grades 9-12), taught by a variety of teachers. Every class is different, and every teacher has a different teaching style, so it would be best to observe different practices.
You may either choose schools/classes from the following list, or make your own arrangements. Please let your instructor know (as soon as you decide) which school(s) you would like to observe classes in.
The following teachers have agreed to occasionally have observers from our class. However, you should keep in mind that some days may be inconvenient (a test may be given; or a teacher may have other committment and have a sub; etc.) For that reason and also to be polite, before you go to observe a lesson, send an email to the teacher (copy to your instructor) stating that you are a Fresno State student taking the Capstone Mathematics for Teachers class, and asking whether it would be OK to observe their lesson on such and such date. Remember to arrive in advance so that you have time to find the building and the room and to introduce yourself to the teacher before class. Ask where you could sit so that not to disturb the class. Stay quiet, don't talk to the students, and don't disrupt the class in any way. You must stay for the whole class because if you leave in the middle of class you will disrupt the class.
Please remember to email the teacher (copy to your instructor) before attending any class, asking if it would be OK to observe a class on a certain day (more or less any day will be fine, but the teacher would like to know that you are coming, and also you need to confirm that there will be no test that day).
Teacher: Daniel Jones (djones@csufresno.edu)
Room: 104 (UHS)
Days: any, Mon through Fri
Most recommended class: Geometry (Integrated Math 2), from 8:53-9:55, 11-11:55, 1-1:55.
Another class: Integrated Math 3, from 2-2:55.
Upon completion, you must turn in:
Below are a few opportunities. Choose any that you would like to lead/help with. You will often team up with other people in our class, and work in small groups (of 2-4 people). We will need to meet (sometimes once, sometimes more than) before each problem solving session to go over the concepts, problems, and solutions. Whenever you schdedule a meeting with your group members, please let your instructor know when and where your group is meeting so that the instructor can attend your meeting if possible. Sometimes we may discuss your field experience in class. Pre-approved (see below) group meetings (outside of class) count toward your field experience hours.
Math Kangaroo web page with answer keys
Math Field Day Prep Sessions website
Upon completion, you must turn in:
Grading: Your reflections will be evaluated by your instructor. Your performance will be evaluated by the teacher (if applicable), group members, and instructor.