Controversy in the Classroom: Debates On the Learning and Teaching of Math, Reading, and Science

EDU T018 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This course explores curricular and instructional debates about the learning and teaching of content areas taught in elementary and secondary schools – particularly mathematics, reading, and science. For at least the last 100 years, educators and educational researchers have continuously and vigorously argued about the best ways to teach math, reading, and science. The field widely recognizes the importance of these conversations and the centrality of consistency and clarity in how we conceptualize and advocate for the learning of school subjects. Yet frequently these debates have escalated to a type of “war” (e.g., the math wars, the reading wars) that plays out in both academia and in practice. In this course, we explore the fundamental arguments that have occurred about the learning and teaching of mathematics, science, and reading. We consider these debates theoretically, practically, and historically, looking mainly within the United States but with some consideration of Asian perspectives as well. Although the primary emphasis of the course will be on the learning and teaching of mathematics, science, and reading, students are welcome to explore other school subjects in course papers and projects. There are two intended audiences for this course. First, the course is designed for those who seek to develop broad knowledge about content learning in schools, including teacher leaders, policy makers, researchers, and district leaders who will be working with groups of teachers across several content areas. The course considers it essential that school leaders and policy makers understand learning challenges, curriculum controversies, and historical background that are specific to each content area. Second, the course is also intended for those with experience or knowledge in one content area who seek to develop knowledge about teaching and learning challenges in other content areas.