Mathematics: Adolescence (7-12 /5-12)

Program Requirements

Unique in the mathematics education field, doctoral programs at UB for the teaching of secondary school or college mathematics offer an alternative to a behavioristic, managerial conception of education and to a narrowly empirical definition of research. Research activities include, but are not limited to, philosophical and psychological aspects of problem solving; mathematics and computer science curriculum; mathematics content and pedagogy for gifted students; and mathematics curriculum that sheds light on personal, humanistic, and idiosyncratic variables. Some of this research involves collaboration with educators, mathematicians, philosophers, and psychologists within and outside the University.

The associated Ed.M. program prepares students for teaching high school mathematics.

Affiliated with the Mathematics Education program is the Gifted Math program which brings a new group of seventh grade students (judged to be in the top one percent in ability) to UB each September for a full six-year, school-college mathematics program.

Program Information

Nature of the Program

The Master's Degree leads to the continuing professional development of teacher and to permanent certification. It centers on the teaching and learning of mathematics, the various instructional modes and the applications of research findings. Students develop competencies in these areas:

A. The teaching-learning process in mathematics to develop an effectiveness in dealing with problems related to mathematics instruction.

B. Acquire new ideas and techniques in mathematics instruction in order to narrow the gap between current research and incipient trends on the one hand and the classroom practices on the other.

C. Develop an effectiveness in dealing with aspects of motivation, implementation of methods, individualization of instruction, evaluation and psychological principles of mathematics learning.

D. Command of mathematics to develop this competence with mathematics beyond the level of undergraduate instruction; possess a sound knowledge of mathematical structure, technique and interrelationships.

REGULATIONS FOR THE ED.M. PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

This description of the regulations for the degree of Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Mathematics education assumes that the student has met general requirements for graduate study in the Department of Learning and Instruction and also in the Graduate School of Education. Students are responsible for keeping abreast of those general regulations and should familiarize themselves with any revisions of these general requirements upon admission to the program. A statement of general regulations for students can be found online.

Admission:

Requirements for admission directly into the Ed.M. Program:

1. The student must take and pass a three hour written examination in Mathematics Education. This exam is scheduled through the main office of the Department of Learning and Instruction (636-2455) and is scheduled at the convenience of the student. The examination covers general ability to handle issues in mathematics and education and presume very little in the way of technical knowledge.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) and in the last two years of undergraduate study and of any graduate work as well is normally expected. Occasionally students with a lower grade point average will be accepted provided they do well in the entrance examination.
3. A minimum total of 24 hours in approved coursework in mathematics.

Degree Requirements:

The student must complete all the following within a span of five years:

A. Coursework

1. A minimum of 32 hours beyond the Baccalaureate degree.
2. A minimum of 3.0 grade point average.
3. Work in the following areas:

a. At least 8 courses in math or math education with the following stipulation:

(i) at least 2 and preferably 3 of them must be graduate level mathematics courses offered by the mathematics department. Courses in a cross-registration program at State University College at Buffalo may also be applied to the requirement.
(ii) at least 3 of them must be 500 level courses offered by the Department of Learning and Instruction in Mathematics education.
(iii) For 2 additional courses, students may make selections from the Mathematics Department, mathematics education in the Department of Learning and Instruction, computer sciences, philosophy of logic, or history of science as it applies to mathematics. The courses must, however, be graduate level and students ought to consult advisors in mathematics education if they are in doubt as to whether a specific course qualifies.

b. At least 3 elective courses chosen by the student with the approval of his advisor (before taking these courses). These courses may be chosen from among any in the university provided they are graduate level, they meet with the advisor's approval, and they take regulation 5 into consideration. The object in stating this requirement as broadly as possible is to encourage the student to tailor make a program that satisfies his particular interests and needs.

4. Students must take at least 16 credits in the Graduate School of Education.
5. On some occasions, depending upon the background and performance of students, the advisor may require additional coursework beyond that specified.
6. A maximum of six hours transfer credit are allowed with permission from the student's advisor. (Note that the 5 year requirement applies to this credit also).
N.B. Requirements of (3) refer to number of courses and not to number of credits. At the discretion of the advisor, courses offered for fewer than 3 credits may satisfy the requirements, but the student ought to check with his advisor.

Teaching Experience

Before taking the comprehensive examination the student must provide evidence of satisfactory teaching experience. Ordinary classroom teaching normally counts for such experience, but it is not the only way of satisfying this requirement.

The Comprehensive Examination

The student must write a satisfactory examination in mathematics education. The examination is designed to determine if the student is aware of important current issues in his field, can make critical evaluations of those problems and has developed fundamental skills necessary to implementation of modern programs in the classroom.

A reading list for this examination is available from advisors.

If a student fails this examination he/she must obtain permission to retake it. This permission is not automatic and is based upon a review of the student's total record.

Comprehensive examination forms are in the Office of the Department of Learning and Instruction (505 Baldy). Dates of examinations and filing deadlines are posted outside the LAI office. The comps are offered 3 times a year.

Additional Regulations

Application to Candidacy

1. The student must file one typed and two xerox copies of the Application to Candidacy for the Master's degree, signed by his advisor, in the Department of Learning and Instruction.
2. An additional working copy of this program must be filed with the student's advisor.

B. Changes in Program
Changes in program require completion of an Amendment form available in the Office of the Department of Learning and Instruction, 505 Baldy Hall, as well as online.