MA4111 Calculus I Teaching Practicum: Design and Instruction

This practicum focuses on preparing future mathematics instructors to effectively design and deliver collegiate Calculus I instruction in a supervised teaching environment. The course integrates mathematical content knowledge with evidence-based instructional practices. Students taking the course develop lesson plans, lead instruction for at least 4 instructional hours in a quarter, and support and assess student learning on foundational topics such as limits, derivatives, and applications, emphasizing conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning. Structured feedback from the NPS Applied Mathematics faculty and reflection are used to refine instructional approaches.

Prerequisite

MA3607 or consent of instructor.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

• Explain limits, continuity, derivatives, and real-world applications, using both conceptual and procedural strategies, in supervised instructional sessions.
• Create instructional materials and assessments for Calculus I concepts aligned with learning goals for limits, derivatives, and continuity.
• Deliver Calculus I instruction using active learning strategies — including inquiry-based tasks, collaborative problem-solving, and technology tools such as Desmos or GeoGebra — as observed in supervised teaching sessions.
• Analyze student thinking and address misconceptions during Calculus I instruction and improve teaching practices through structured post-observation reflection and faculty feedback — documenting specific changes and their effect on student engagement.