Instructor: Fruzsina Kollányi
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to give an overview of Mathematics education in Hungary through observing classes in a wide range of schools and reflecting on these experiences. The class will be scheduled in a single 4 hour period, with school visits and seminars on alternating weeks.Sample schools
(The selection of schools will have to be accommodated to the schedule of the course)- Fazekas Mihály Primary and Secondary School (Fazekas Mihály F.városi Gyakorló Általános Iskola és Gimnázium) with the strongest Math specialty class in Hungary
- Mathematics camps by Lajos Pósa for talented students (the teaching method of the camps is discussed in detail in the BSM course Discovery Methods)
- Alternative Secondary school of Economics (Alternatív Közgazdasági Gimnázium)
- Budai Secondary School (Budai Középiskola)
- Zöld Kakas Vocational Secondary School (Zöld Kakas Líceum)
- School of the Blind (Vakok Iskolája)
Seminar discussion/research topics
There will be several - hopefully inspiring - discussions on topics related to math education, during which everybody is encouraged to share their opinions, based on their own experience and research done in the area. Some of the presentations/activities will be led by students. The selection of the topics will be adjusted to students' interest and issues arising during school visits.A sample of possible topics:
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a) Secondary education in Hungary
The Hungarian school system and the mathematics curriculum Comparison of US vs. Hungarian math education Math education of gifted students - the Hungarian method
b) Classroom techniques
Alternatives of frontal teaching and individual work: cooperative learning, projects, etc. Methods for students with learning difficulties / dyscalculia / other disabilities. Using technology and manipulatives in the math class
c) Psychological and social aspects
Cognitive psychology background: development of spatial and quantitative skills Gender gap - why more men in mathematics? Approaches to math education, dilemmas of curriculum-makers
Assessment
Attendance, active participation in discussions: 10%Presentation: 20%
School visit reports, HW assignments: 30%
Coursework (essay/project/lesson plans): 40%
Note: Passing the course requires attending at least 75% of classes.