COURSE REFORM CATALOG
Course Reform Summary
March 1998
Edition
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Montana Universities |
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MSU-Bozeman |
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University of Montana |
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MSU-Billings |
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MSU-Northern |
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Western Montana College |
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Totals |
Montana State University-Bozeman
CHEM 121 ElementaryEducationCourse
Introduction General Chemistry Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision adds laboratory sessions implementing computers and interfaces that are changing the emphasis of lab experience away from data acquisition along prescriptive lines to experimental design, data analysis and modeling. Students will do field related mini-projects involving real world applications to provide prospective teachers a chance to develop ways of presenting chemistry concepts at the elementary level.
Lead teacher: John Amend
CHEM 131 General Science Broadfield Course
General Chemistry I
Revision planning began Fall 93
Physical science broadfield course
New laboratory sessions implement computers and interfaces that change the emphasis of lab experience away from data acquisition along prescriptive lines to experimental design, data analysis and modeling. Implementation of mini-projects related to health, agriculture, education and other areas of student interest. Projects will analyze real-world samples such as river water above and below a local water treatment plant and calorie content of "junk food". Research experience will provide prospective teachers a chance to develop ways of presenting chemistry concepts at the secondary level. Training sessions for Teaching Assistants includes a three-day pre semester session and weekly meetings aimed at changing teaching philosophy for TA's to support student research.
Lead teacher: John Amend
CHEM 280 Elementary & Secondary Education
Chemistry Teacher Enrichment Revision planning began Fall 94
Introductory course intended to help prospective teachers improve their chemistry understanding by developing presentation methods for K-12 classrooms. Main goals for revision are to use more interactive methods of instruction with a small group to reinforce conceptual understanding of the most important topics of general chemistry. Group discussions are planned to stimulate student interest. Goals include improved attitudes towards chemistry, increased understanding and comfort with content for future teachers.
Lead teacher: Lee Spangler
CHEM 363 Secondary Science Education Course
Chemistry Principles & Practices Revision planning began Spring 94
This course will revisit key concepts in chemistry through student participation in regional workshops for practicing chemistry teachers and through the development of chemistry demonstration apparatus with teachers. Equilibrium, thermodynamics, rate processes and chemical bonding are themes for generation of experiments and demonstrations. Students prepare and manage a chemistry activity for the local Science Olympiad, use computer data acquisition and processing, as well as computer graphics and molecular calculation programs. There are no traditional exams in the course. Students prepare a record of results for assigned tasks, new ideas for demonstrations and experiments, laboratory results and conclusions, and notes for presentations. All students interact with established teachers.
Lead teacher: Arnold Craig
EDEL 325 Elementary Education Course
Elementary Science Methods Revision planning began Fall 94
Course focuses on methods of teaching inquiry skills, content and attitudes. A team of scientists, K-12 teachers, and science educators are meeting regularly to plan this revision.
Lead teacher: John Graves
EDEL 333 Elementary Education Course
Elementary Mathematics Methods Revision planning began Fall 94
Math methods/materials for elementary teacher. Revision to focus on NCTM standards, integration, literature, writing, texts, activity books and alternative assessments. A team of mathematicians, master teachers and university educators planned this revision.
Lead teacher: Bill Hall
EDSD 361 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Methods Teaching Sr High Mathematics Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision in cooperation with SIMMS Project for future secondary math teachers. Changes include recommendations from National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Course uses exploration, discussion and student-centered activities with technology and SIMMS materials.
Lead teachers: Ted Hodgson Lyle Andersen
EDSD 366 Secondary Education Science Course
Methods Teaching Secondary Science Revision planning began Spring 94
Focuses on methods of planning, teaching and evaluating science inquiry skills, content, and attitudes. University science content faculty and area master teachers met biweekly to plan this course revision.
Lead teacher: Michael Brody
ESCI 111 General Science Broadfield Course
Physical Geology
Revision planning began Fall 94
Physical science broadfield course
Lab revisions increase exploration, open ended, field oriented and problem solving activities. Changing instructional mode for this large single lecture section is a major goal of this course revision. Alternative assessment have been used. (Note: Course rubric has changed from GEOL 101.)
Lead teacher: David Mogk
MATH 130/131 Elementary Education Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I, II Revision planning began Fall 94
Reformed course centers on small group processing of activities which encourage the explicit use and study of mathematical concepts. Open-ended problems and extended projects require group solutions. Manipulatives are used to model conceptual rather than rule-based understanding of concepts. Whole-class sharing of multiple solution strategies creates rich structures for activities and problems. Writing is used extensively to encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and to consider issues related to the NCTM Standards recommendations.
Lead teachers: Linda Simonsen Anne Teppo
MATH 181 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision team adopted a reform calculus textbook (Harvard project) and assumed full use of graphics calculators. Integral components include group work, conceptual class lectures, and multiple representations. New teaching assistant workshops were added to promote multiple methods of presentation. Student support sessions on use of graphics calculators were added.
Lead teacher: Norm Eggert
MATH 182 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Calculus & Analytic Geometry II Revision planning began Fall 94
Extension of MATH 181. The same book and methods as MATH 181 are used in this revision.
Lead teacher: Don Taylor
MATH 221 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Introduction to Matrix Theory Revision planning began Spring 94
Revision incorporates the use of computer programs MAPLE and MATLAB to focus on practical matrix topics rather than abstract linear algebra topics. Group projects have increased the participation level of all students. Revision is leading to development of textbook and supplementary materials.
Lead teachers: Ken Bowers Gary Bogar John Lund
MB 301 SecondaryEducationScienceCourse
General Microbiology I Revision planning began Spring 94
Reform focuses on improving instruction by modification of lab exercises and training teaching assistants in instructional strategies.
Lead teachers: Linda Sherwood
PHYS 201 Elementary Education Course
Physics by Inquiry Revision planning began Fall 94
This course is an entirely hands-on introduction to physics course for elementary education majors. It replaces a traditional lecture and laboratory course, with an interactive class using Physics by Inquiry materials. The course emphasizes the development of basic concepts, reasoning skills, and active engagement of students in the learning process. Staff-to-student ratio supports use of Socratic dialog, viewing science as a process, rather than a body of facts. Available computer technology will be utilized as appropriate.
Lead teacher: Greg Francis
PHYS 205 Secondary Education Science Course
College Physics I Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision replaces traditional labs with inquiry-based tutorial sessions and strategies to increase student participation. Teaching assistants and work study students are trained in weekly sessions to promote student centered instruction. Large lectures incorporate strategies like think-pair-share to replace a passive listening environment with interactive student sessions. Instructors actively research student misconceptions and study instructional methods to deal with the tenacity of student misconceptions.
Lead teacher: Greg Francis
PHYS 206 Secondary Education Science Course
College Physics II
Revision planning began Fall 93
Offered Fall, Spring
Revision replaces traditional labs with inquiry-based tutorial sessions and strategies to increase student participation. See Physics 205.
Lead teacher: Greg Francis
BIO 101/102 Secondary Education Course
Principles of Biology
Revision planning began Spring 95
Principles of Biology Lab
Preliminary planning has focused on developing departmental support to revise this large introductory lecture class. Several faculty were supported to attend national reform meetings summer 1995 and 1996. Biologists continue planning.
Lead teacher: Carol Brewer
C&I 309 Elementary Education Course
Elementary Mathematics Methods Revision planning began Spring 94
Revision uses a child-centered laboratory approach focused on the use of manipulatives, models, problem solving, and technology. Emphasis on multiple assessment strategies to determine student progress and methods to evaluate elementary mathematics programs.
Lead teacher: Georgia Cobbs
C&I 311 Elementary Education Course
Elementary Science Methods Revision planning began Spring 94
Revision coordinates mathematics and science with units on pendulums, a watershed field study, microcomputers and metrics. Increased use of technology includes microcomputer spreadsheets and graphing software programs for classroom use, as well as METNET and e-mail. The goal is to increase student interest and enthusiasm for science teaching by creation of a comfort level with science process. Emphasis is placed on planning and presenting hands-on activities.
Lead teacher: Ralph Allen
C&I 426 Middle /Secondary Education Course
Teaching Science in Middle
Revision planning began Fall 95
& Secondary School
Preliminary planning has included review of recent course revisions and open discussions with mathematics and science faculty and K-12 teachers. Increasing field experiences, use of teleconferencing and video capturing with schools, cooperative group work, revised syllabus, altered content, and open-ended assessment including e-mail/interactive journaling are all planned.
Lead teacher: Fletcher Brown
C&I 430 Middle/Secondary Education Course
Teaching Math in Middle & Secondary School Revision planning began Fall 95
Joint meeting with science methods students/faculty and K-12 teachers is planned to reduce content overlap. E-mail journals, peer teaching, NCTM standards, inquiry-based methods, hands-on manipulatives, required calculators, computer programs GEO sketchpad, portfolios, and thematic units are included in this revision.
Lead teacher: David Erickson
MATH 130/131 Elementary Education Mathematics Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I Revision planning began Fall 1993
Revision focused on incorporating more hands-on activities into the classes and having students feel comfortable with manipulatives as tools for learning content. The amount of cooperative learning activities was increased with an emphasis on communication skills. Students were asked to respond in writing to questions and do research. Open-ended questions were asked to help students develop higher order thinking skills and to have them consider assessment techniques that might be used to evaluate student performance. Technology components include extensive use of calculators and an introduction to graphing calculators, spreadsheets, Logo and Geometer’s Sketchpad.
Lead Teacher: Rick Billstein
MATH 150 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Applied Calculus Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision was guided by the concept of calculus as a tool for measuring change, rather than as a mathematical entity. Topics covered were reduced in favor of more conceptual understanding. Symbolic manipulation software (Derive and Maple) has been incorporated into all sections. Major group projects have been developed.
Lead teacher: Greg St. George
MATH 152/153 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Calculus I, II Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision focused on increased use of computers and major paradigm shifts in pedagogy including greater use of cooperative learning and real world applications. Revision continues to include greater use of technology, writing, open ended problems, extended projects, and assessment suitable for higher order thinking and active learning.
Lead teachers: Dick Lane Karl Stroethoff
Math 221 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Linear Algebra Revision planning began Spring 94
Revision uses an applied point of view with real world applications. MATLAB is used to teach the algorithms that computers use for solving linear algebra problems. Laboratory exercises detail realistic problems. Computers are used as well as student writing to create a student assessment portfolio.
Lead teachers: Bill Derrick Jennifer McNulty Mark Kayll
SCI 125 Elementary Education Course
General Science: Revision planning began Fall 93
Physical and Chemical Science
Revision integrates astronomy, chemistry, and physics using elementary science activities to demonstrate use of laboratory equipment. Energy and matter are the unifying theme Teaching assistants lead discussion groups and laboratories to integrate lecture material with group work. Fourteen laboratories were developed with manipulatives and hands-on experiences. Alternative assessment methods are incorporated.
Lead teachers: David Freeman David Friend
SCI 127 Elementary Education Course
General Science: Revision planning began Fall 93
Earth and Life Science
Revision integrates biology and geology disciplines with a focus on earth surface processes and corresponding ecological patterns and processes. Instructional methods include cooperative group learning, student discussions, open-ended labs, field work, and student research projects. An inquiry/discovery approach to instruction has been used with student-centered activities and projects. Faculty and teaching assistants meet weekly to prepare for laboratory and discussion sessions.
Lead teachers: Carol Brewer
SCI 350 Elementary Education Course
General Science: Revision planning began Fall 93
Environmental Perspectives
Action-oriented instruction uses small student teams to explore environmental issues of local and regional significance. Students are engaged in reading, discussion, and data analysis for projects in a focus to define science as a way of knowing and studying an issue in detail. Concept mapping, portfolios and multiple forms of assessment are used. Effective forms of environmental education and the learning cycle are modeled.
Lead teacher: Fletcher Brown David Bilderback
Montana State University-Billings
EASC 460 Elementary Education Course
Science & Society Revision planning began Fall 93
This course requires that students search for a solution to a scientific, socioeconomic and environmental problem of local importance and purposefully chosen to be controversial. Sample problems explored include: "Should the Crown Butte Mine Company be allowed to mine at its site near Cooke city, Montana (next to Yellowstone Park)?" and the issue of the wolf reintroduction to the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students make a field trip to the area, interview people, review environmental impact statements and track down information to develop evidence to back their decision. Authentic assessment strategies are utilized as students present their findings and their decision at a public forum.
Lead teachers: Ken Miller
EDCI 304 Elementary Education Course
Integrating Mathematics/Science Methods Revision planning began Fall 94
Revision integrates mathematics and science methods to take a more global, holistic view of the purposes of education to begin to restructure conventional approaches to the processes of teaching and learning. Integration provides an enhanced understanding of the various disciplines associated with traditional curriculum design and provides relevant situations for a more process rather than product-oriented curriculum.
Lead teachers: Ken Miller David Davison Dixie Metheny
MATH 201 Elementary Education Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision focus is on a constructivist approach. The Learning Cycle is used to teach concepts. Real-life problems use Texas Instrument Math Explorers when appropriate. Manipulatives, experiments, and activities are done in a cooperative learning setting. NCTM standards are a major consideration for this revision. Topics include number systems, algorithms and conceptual understanding of operations. Alternative assessment is used.
Lead teachers: Dixie Metheny David Davison
MATH 202 Elementary Education Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II Revision planning began Fall 93
Revision focus is for students to construct their own knowledge. The Learning Cycle is used with a laboratory to investigate ideas. Real-life problems use Terrapin Logo, calculators, and Geometer's Sketchpad when appropriate. Cooperative learning groups are used throughout the semester. NCTM standards are a major consideration for this revision. Students select from a variety of assessment options to create a weighted grade from group, individual and peer evaluations.
Lead teachers: Dixie Metheny Maggie McBride
MATH 492 Elementary Education Course
Trends in Elementary Mathematics Revision planning began Fall 93
Revised to seminar format with added geometry, probability, statistics, Markov Chains, real-life problems, management science with underlying theme of authentic learning and assessment. Cooperative learning, LOGO, calculators (TI-81 and TI-82), presentations, notebooks, and journals are used.
Lead teachers: Dixie Metheny David Davison
PSSC 101 Elementary Education Course
Physical Science for Elementary Teachers Revision planning began Fall 93
Revisions emphasize integration of science fields and thematic approaches, together with hands-on discovery laboratory methods transferable to K-8 classrooms. Undergraduate teaching assistants have weekly debriefing sessions on laboratory activities.
Lead teacher: Tom Zwick
SCI 101 Elementary Education Course
Integrated Sciences Course planning began Fall 96
Introduces the concepts and methodology of science by integrating biology, chemistry, physics and geology to investigate specific relevent topics such as organization, energy transformation and diversity. Hands-on laboratory is required.
Lead teachers: Matt Benacquista Michael Dennis
Will Wickun
Montana State University-Northern
EDUC 302 Elementary Education Course
Methods of Teaching Revision planning began Fall 93
Elementary Mathematics
The revision plan is to make content related to real life applications and to approach topics from an integrated approach. Theme teaching, integration of technology and project assessment are also goals for this course revision.
Lead teacher: Korinne Tande
EDUC 304 ElementaryEducation Course
Methods of Teaching Elementary Science Revision planning began Fall 93
This course uses lectures on methodology with an emphasis on hands-on learning activities. Students present science activities and prepare lesson plans that utilize the scientific method.
Lead teacher: Vaughn Rundquist
EDUC 390 Elementary Education Course
Integrating Mathematics/Science New course offering began Spring 94
Methods Elementary Education
Reform stresses integrating math and science. Thematic approaches, some technology enhancements, student-centered activities, and alternative forms of assessment are utilized. Changes in instruction (modeling, discovery, etc.) are the major focus.
Lead teacher: Pat Floyd
MATH 120 Elementary Education Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I Revision planning began Fall 93
Course utilizes a software package written in LOGO developed by the instructor. Cooperative learning activities make use of software functions and include reflections, rotations, translations and dilations.
Lead teacher: Doug DeLong Virginia Sluiter
MATH 121 Elementary Education Course
Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II Revision planning began Fall 93
Course is an extension of MATH 120 with an emphasis on geometry. Cooperative learning activities using instructor developed software are instrumental to the course.
Lead teacher: Doug DeLong Virginia Sluiter
NSCI 110 Elementary Education Course
Survey of Natural Sciences Revision planning began Fall 93
Science content for different disciplines has been integrated with an emphasis on general principles and applications across fields. Instructor demonstrations and student experiments with computer interface systems have been added.
Lead teachers: Reno Parker Robert Christeck
BIO 101 Elementary Education Course
Introduction to Biology Revision planning began Fall 94
Revised, inquiry based, lab oriented course replaces a traditional lecture based course (GSCI 104, Introductory Life Science). This course is required for all elementary education students unless they opt to take a higher level biology course. Labs are designed and modified each semester to increase student engagement and motivation. Methods used in teaching this class are directly transferable to the elementary classroom. Students design and analyze the results of experiments using thinking and writing skills.
Lead teacher: Karl Ulrich
BIO 409 ElementaryEducation Course
Environmental Science Revision planning began Fall 94
This experimental project-based course provides interdisciplinary opportunities that span the natural sciences, social sciences and mathematics areas. The course uses the University of Montana’s Action Project model approach to an environmental issue to teach science concepts. The areas covered will depend upon the project chosen by each study team but will focus on some area of environmental interest. This course advances the use of non-lecture methods and exploratory learning. Both elementary and secondary preservice teachers will experience cooperative learning and authentic learning. Multiple alternative assessments are used.
Lead teacher: Jack Kirkley Karl Ulrich
CHEM 101 ElementaryEducation Course
Introduction to Chemistry Revision planning began Fall 94
A problem-solving and inquiry-based approach is used. The fundamentals of chemistry are studied with "real world" chemistry applications. The course includes a weekly inquiry-based laboratory correlated with the classroom topics. A major written research project is done each semester.
Lead teacher: Steve Mock
ED373/ED378 ElementaryEducation Course
Elementary Science Methods Elementary education course
Elementary Math Methods Revision planning began Fall 96
Integrated Elementary Methods Block
The elementary education block methods courses were revised, Fall 1996, and offered on-site in Butte and Pablo, Spring and Fall 1997. Each course team includes a WMC faculty member and a Butte School District teacher. These teams meet individually and as a methods block group. A multicultural field experience for the block program was prepared under the guidance of the Salish Kootenai Tribal Education Office in Pablo, MT. The new courses were piloted with six (6) students in Butte and the Flathead Valley, Spring 1997. Fifteen (15) students enrolled in the program Fall 1997 and the third offering is Spring 1998.
Lead teachers: Fransisconi, J. Maloney, J. Monroe, R.
Oldendorf, W. Riney, M. Thompson, O.
GEOL 101 Elementary Education Course
Introduction to Geology Revision planning began Spring 94
New structure for this large science class includes less lecture and smaller laboratory groups. A two hour per week investigative laboratory has been added. Revisions include changed assessment practices and cooperative learning groups.
Lead teacher: Rob Thomas
GEOL 150 Elementary Education Course
Environmental Geology Revision planning began fall, 1994
This course explores the human impact on the earth and its resources. Students learn concepts by working on environmental problems in southwestern Montana. Results will be reported through reports and presentations to the local community.
Lead teacher: Rob Thomas
MATH 151 Secondary Education Mathematics Course
Pre-Calculus Revision planning began Fall 94
Prerequisite to MATH 152. Emphasizes background information and satisfies the math general education requirement. Revision includes cooperative learning strategies, student presentations, use of TI 82 calculators and Mathematica and Excel programs.
Lead teacher: Mike Thiel
MATH 152/153/251 SecondaryEducation Mathematics Course
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I, II, III Revision planning began Fall 93
Computers with Mathematica are used to enhance students’ understanding of content. Active methodology includes inquiry, problem solving, cooperative learning and model building. A unique feature is one professor teaches the entire three semester sequence for a cohort of students.
Lead teacher: Otis Thompson
PHYS 101 ElementaryEducation Course
Introduction to Physics Revision planning began Fall 94
Offered Spring
Reform changed three lecture hours to two lecture hours and one lab. Lab introduces new topics and reinforces concepts through individual investigations.
Lead teacher: Craig Zaspel