Prof. Wendy Stienstra

Assistant Professor of Education
N233, 780-465-3500 x8167
wendy.stienstra@kingsu.ca

Education:
Ph.D. (Education) Candidate, Lakehead University
M.Ed. (Educational Administration), Lakehead University
Teaching Certification (Secondary), Calvin College
BA (Mathematics), Dordt College


Courses I teach
EDUC 303 - The Philosophy and Design of Curriculum Planning
EDUC 307 - Issues and Methods in Elementary Mathematics Teaching
EDUC 320 - Curriculum & Instruction in Secondary Mathematics & Science
EDUC 420 - Curriculum & Instruction in Secondary Mathematics & Science II
EDUC 351 - Elementary Introductory Practicum
EDUC 451 - Elementary Major Practicum
MATH 281 - Introduction to Mathematical Applications
 
My area of specialization is mathematics education.  I am interested in the nature of mathematical understanding and the impact of teaching/learning strategies.  My PhD dissertation examines the development of mathematical understanding in elementary teacher candidates as they progress through a constructivist-oriented or reform-based remedial mathematics course.  Using video taped interviews and problem solving sessions over time, as well as pencil and paper assessments, I focused on the learning continuum, or landscape, that reflects the conceptual development of mathematical understanding (and misunderstandings) in the areas of division, rational numbers, and ratio and proportion. 

I began my career teaching high school mathematics and have now returned to that first love as I help pre-service teachers develop the pedagogical content knowledge necessary to teach mathematics.  In between these bookends I have had a range of experiences from teaching elementary school to working with adults with developmental disabilities.  Throughout it all I have come to value the uniqueness and creativity of each student as well as the patterns of creation and its Creator.

Related Links

Elementary B.Ed. | Secondary B.Ed. | Course Schedule

The Philosophy and Design of Curriculum Planning, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-2)

This course examines a variety of curriculum orientations and their implications for educational goals, pedagogy, student evaluation, and school structure at the elementary level. Students will also be introduced to the rigors of curriculum design; they will be required to construct a major unit plan asthe culmination of weekly lab exercises. This course is open only to students in the B.Ed (AD) program. Students with credit in EDUC 503 cannot receive credit in EDUC 303.

Prerequisites: EDUC 300

Issues and Methods in Elementary Mathematics Teaching, Every Year, Fall 3 (3-2-0)

This course examines foundational and methodological issues in teaching elementary mathematics. It provides an overview of the elementary mathematics curriculum, both in content and theories of instruction. Using problem solving in context, this course explores the development of children's understanding of key ideas in mathematics and examines the role of mathematical discussion, the development of flexible mathematical reasoning and the use of assessment for learning.

This course is open only for students in the B.Ed. (AD) Program.

Strategies for Teaching and Learning in Secondary Education, Every Year, Winter 3 (6-0-0) (6 weeks)

This is an introductory course on skill development in basic teaching and learning at the secondary level. An examination of the special characteristics of learners in junior high school (7-9) and senior high school (10-12) with a focus on appropriate pedagogy, curriculum planning, classroom management, and assessment for these age groups in relation to the teaching quality standards.

This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) Secondary Program

Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Mathematics and Sciences, Every Year, Winter 3 (3-0-0)

This curriculum and instruction course provides in depth study of the methods and materials used in the teaching of junior and senior high school mathematics and science with a special focus on the Alberta curriculum guides for subjects. This course is closely coordinated with the EDUC 353 first Practicum; classes are conducted as a regular course for six weeks and as a weekly 3 hour lesson study seminar during the six week practicum. This course helps Math and Science preservice teachers to understand both the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings of their major and minor teaching area. Topics covered are the basic functions of science/math teaching purpose, planning, instruction, managing, and assessing.

This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) Secondary program.

Introductory Practicum, Every Year, Winter 5(5 Weeks)

This course provides students in the B.Ed. (AD) program with a reflective practicum experience that includes four weeks of in-school practical experience in an elementary classroom and a one week campus-based seminar. The four weeks of practicum are coordinated with EDUC 305 - Selected Elementary Teaching Methods and Materials. Students will spend approximately 40 hours in actual classroom instruction under the supervision of a certificated teacher and a faculty supervisor. During this time, students will also be required to assemble a teaching portfolio including detailed lesson and unit plans The concluding seminar will focus on student presentations of teaching experiences as well as analyses of these experiences in the light of the theory and methods course taken previously. Students who receive a grade of less than B on the Alpha 4.00 scale for EDUC 351 will not be allowed to continue into the second year of the B.Ed. (AD) program. This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program. Please se the current EDUCATION 351 PRACTICUM MANUAL for additional information pertaining to the evaluation of this course.

Prerequisites: EDUC 251, 305

Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Mathematics and Sciences II

This course continues the examination of the main currents at play in mathematics and science education begun in EDUC 320. The nature of mathematics and science - both in terms of its formal outcomes as well as what it is to "do math" or science - will be explored. This will lead to a careful scrutiny of how curricula portray mathematics and science and how pedagogical practices can enable effective teaching in both disciplines. Students will also be exposed to current trends in educational technology and be challenged to see mathematics and science teaching within a broader cultural and religious framework. The course is closely coordinated with the EDUC 452 12 week practicum.

This course is open only to students in the B.Ed. (AD) Secondary program. Prerequisites: EDUC 320

Major Practicum, Every Year, Winter 15(13 Weeks)

This is the major practicum in the B.Ed. Elementary (AD) program. Twelve weeks are spent in an elementary classroom and one week in a concluding seminar. The student is assigned to a certificated teacher and is required to do a substantial amount of teaching on a graduated scale culminating in at least six weeks at the full-time level. Students also meet in seminar with a faculty supervisor for one half day per week to discuss topics of mutual concern - primarily classroom management and evaluation issues. In addition to the interactive teaching that is evaluated by both the cooperating teacher and faculty supervisor, students develop a detailed teaching portfolio that can be used to form the basis of an employment portfolio. This course is evaluated by the Faculty Supervisor in conjunction with the Cooperating Teacher. Students who receive a grade of less than B- on the Alpha 4.00 scale for EDUC 451 will not be recommended to the Professional Development and Certification Branch of Alberta Learning for Inter m Professional Certification. This course is only open to students in the B.Ed. (AD) program. Please see the current EDUCATION 451 PRACTICUM MANUAL for additional information pertaining to the evaluation of this course and the appeal process.

Prerequisites: EDUC 351

Introduction to Mathematical Applications, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)

A study of mathematical reasoning and modern applications of mathematics. Application topics may include management sciences, decision making, size and shape, modeling, and data analysis.

Prerequisites: Pure Mathematics 20 or Applied Mathematics 30 or equivalent or consent of the instructor