MST Program Details: Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions and schedules are subject to change.
SMT 500 – Educational Psychology with Applications to Science and Mathematics Teaching and Learning
Theories of teaching and learning of science and mathematics learning and teaching, including recent results. Applications of psychological concepts, principles, theories, and research to problems encountered in educational settings.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Spring, Annually
SMT 501 – Integrated Approaches to Physics Education I
Applications of physics education research to the teaching of physics concepts and problem solving in introductory courses. Students will explore guided inquiry approaches to teaching, methods of curriculum assessment and research-based teaching strategies.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Odd years
SMT 502- Integrated Approaches to Physics Education II
Applications of physics education research to the teaching of physics concepts and problem solving in introductory courses. Students will explore guided inquiry approaches to teaching, methods of curriculum assessment and research-based teaching strategies.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Even years
SMT 503- Integrated Approaches in Earth Sciences Education I
Develops the concepts and methods associated with teaching the dynamics of the Earth System. Uses education research to improve student learning and assessment.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Even years
SMT 504 – Integrated Approaches in Earth Sciences Education II
Science content and methods course designed for in-service and pre-service teachers wishing to engage their science students in genuine environmental and Earth science research problems. Teachers develop research skills by designing and conducting their own field research investigation in their local community. Explores practical and school-culture challenges of engaging students in open-ended research projects and develops strategies for achieving desired learning outcomes for students.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Odd years
SMT 505 – Integrated Approaches in Mathematics Education I
Applications of mathematics education research to the teaching of mathematics concepts and problem solving in introductory courses. Students will explore guided inquiry approaches to teaching, methods of curriculum assessment and research-based teaching strategies.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Annually
SMT 506 – Integrated Approaches in Mathematics Education II
Applications of mathematics education research to the teaching of mathematics concepts and problem solving in introductory courses. Students will explore guided inquiry approaches to teaching, methods of curriculum assessment and research-based teaching strategies.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Spring, Annually
SMT 507 – Integrated Approaches in Biology Education
Applications of biology education research to the teaching of biology concepts and problem solving. Students will explore common student conceptual difficulties in biology, methods of assessment, and research-based instructional strategies.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 3
Tentative Schedule: Spring, Odd years
SMT 588 – Seminar in Science and Mathematics Education Research
Provides background in qualitative and quantitative methods and findings of education research and a forum for the development and critique of discipline-based education research projects.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: 1
Tentative Schedule: Fall, Annually
SMT 589 – Graduate Seminar
Report and discussion of recent developments in science and mathematics education research, its application, or related topics based on the literature or results of current investigation. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites & Notes : permission needed.
Credits: Variable
Tentative Schedule: Variable
SMT 590 – Seminar for Teaching Interns
Students examine and reflect on their understanding about teaching and learning, apply integrated educational skills and knowledge and synthesize academic and professional experiences to develop and finalize their portfolios. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites & Notes : Corequisite: SMT 591
Credits: 1
Tentative Schedule: Spring, Annually
SMT 591 – Secondary Student Teaching
Observation and student teaching in selected secondary schools. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites & Notes :Second year standing in the MST Program. Corequisite: SMT 590.
Credits: 1-5
Tentative Schedule: Spring, Annually
SMT 598 – Special Topics in Science and Mathematics Education
Specific topics determined by current interests of students and staff. Offered with approval of the program’s graduate coordinator. May be repeated for credit with advisor approval.
Prerequisites & Notes: None
Credits: 1-3
Tentative Schedule: Variable
SMT 699 – Graduate Thesis
Graduate thesis or research conducted under the supervision of student’s advisor.
Prerequisites & Notes: A “Responsible Conduct of Research” course approved by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Graduate School (www.umaine.edu/graduate/responsible-conduct-research) is required before or concurrently with completion of 4th SMT 699 credit. Permission
Credits: Variable