Children as Sensemakers: Learning Mathematics in School

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

What is a mathematical idea you learned in school? How did you share what you learned? The purpose of this course is to examine children as individuals who construct understanding of the world around them through the study of mathematics. This course focuses on how adults working with children can mediate this process through learning opportunities, eliciting thinking, and providing support to encourage further understanding. In addition, we will reflect on how, as adults, we may misinterpret student understandings and either over- or underestimate what students’ knowledge and skill, which may impact future educational opportunities. Using this lens, we will consider the goals of mathematics education, current debates, and evidence for how children develop mathematical understanding using research articles and commentaries to guide our discussions and analysis. As a component of this course, we will interview children at an off-site facility during class hours to learn about their knowledge and experiences in mathematics.