NMSSI in Norfolk: Graduate Course for Elementary Teachers

NMSSI MATH 896 Summer 2011
NMSSI MATH 896 Summer 2011

As a result of the NeSA-M, Nebraska's first statewide mathematics assessment, mathematics teachers at all grade levels are looking for new learning opportunities that support them in offering high quality mathematics courses to their students. The Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes (NMSSI) offer graduate mathematics and pedagogy courses using a teacher-friendly delivery model that helps teachers respond to this challenge.

One course, MATH 896: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom, will be offered in three locations in Summer 2012 (Class # 3026 in Norfolk, Class # 3365 in Omaha and Class # 3029 in Lincoln). The Norfolk section of the course will be held June 18-22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center. The course will be taught by Edie Ronhovde, the sixth-grade math department chair at Fremont Middle School. She is a Math in the Middle graduate and a Noyce Master Teacher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The course seeks to build a strong foundation for the teaching and communication of mathematical concepts by the hands-on development of critical-thinking skills via problem-solving experiences. It provides a guided opportunity for the implementation of problem-solving instruction that is aligned with the new Nebraska mathematics standards in both the primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) elementary classroom.

Here is what teachers who took the class in Summer 2011 had to say about the benefits of the course:

"I am leaving with fantastic resources. I have an understanding of the math and how to implement problem solving. I think the handouts are incredibly valuable."

"Looking at the NeSA and objective cards for second and fourth grade plus standards gives me a better idea of what they already know and where I need to get them."

"This course expanded my confidence and challenged me to challenge my students at a deeper level."

"It cemented the idea I love math!"

Register now! Visit our website http://scimath.unl.edu/nmssi for steps on how to enroll in these courses and apply for tuition assistance.

Other courses for elementary teachers are also being offered this summer. Check the course catalog online for these and upper elementary/middle level course options.

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/ran