Mathematics Teaching Degree WGU -in progress!

[teacher2]

Finished Finite Mathematics today! Overall easy course that is defiantly passable in less than a week. I probably could have finished it in two days but have had a busy week. Basically I wrote the tasks in an outline format like you would a lesson plan. I would rate the math as very basic and early algebra. So no need to fear this one! I am going to start College Geometry tomorrow. It is also performance assessment. This is what it looks like:

Geometry Foundations
Axiomatic Systems, Performance Task 1
Properties of Geometric Shapes
Lines and Angles
Non-Euclidean Geometry
The Circle
Triangles
Congruence and Similarity
Proofs
Performance Task 2
Quadrilaterals and Higher Order Polygons
Three Dimensional Shapes
Analytic Geometry, Performance Task 3
Transformational Geometry
Geometric Transformations
Geometer's Sketchpad Transformations
Performance Task 4
Performance Task 5

[teacher2]

Finished Finite Mathematics today! Overall easy course that is defiantly passable in less than a week. I probably could have finished it in two days but have had a busy week. Basically I wrote the tasks in an outline format like you would a lesson plan. I would rate the math as very basic and early algebra. So no need to fear this one! I am going to start College Geometry tomorrow. It is also performance assessment. This is what it looks like:

Geometry Foundations
Axiomatic Systems, Performance Task 1
Properties of Geometric Shapes
Lines and Angles
Non-Euclidean Geometry
The Circle
Triangles
Congruence and Similarity
Proofs
Performance Task 2
Quadrilaterals and Higher Order Polygons
Three Dimensional Shapes
Analytic Geometry, Performance Task 3
Transformational Geometry
Geometric Transformations
Geometer's Sketchpad Transformations
Performance Task 4
Performance Task 5

Finished College Geometry today. Umm there was some quirks in Task 1 and 2 unexpectedly. I started this course a week and half ago. Overall I'd say I would have rather transferred this course in because the performance tasks are not quite typical geometry as far as writing the proofs and everything. But it's done!

Also finished Critical Thinking and Logic last Sunday and had my first experience with ProcturU with WGU. The proctur left something on because I could hear him setting other people up for their tests. I eventually had to press the mute button so I could concentrate. But that course was too easy. I did the modules but did not read past the fourth chapter in the recommended book because the modules where pretty complete. This is a switch form what I did with SL where I read the book and did not do their module slides.
The Final is set up very close to the way the Pre-Assesment is and I scored within several points of each other on both tests. This course I would not personally transfer in because it is very easy common sense class and can be finished up within two days. My next class, Cultural Studies and Diversity looks like this:


Diversity and Culture Today
Read, Watch, Explore, Complete
Empathy, Multiple Perspectives, and Worldviews
Personal and Social Barriers to the Appreciation of Diversity
Development of Personal Identity
Culturally Supportive Practices for Various Settings
Performance Task 1- Culture and Diversity and Personal Identity
Effective Communication Practices in a Global Environment
Diversity in Collaborative Environments
Performance Task 2-Diversity and the Educator 2-5 pages long essay

It looks like it has alot of reading and writing but I must admit I wish I had transferred this one in!

[rowan555]

Also finished Critical Thinking and Logic last Sunday and had my first experience with ProcturU with WGU. The proctur left something on because I could hear him setting other people up for their tests. I eventually had to press the mute button so I could concentrate. But that course was too easy. I did the modules but did not read past the fourth chapter in the recommended book because the modules where pretty complete. This is a switch form what I did with SL where I read the book and did not do their module slides.
The Final is set up very close to the way the Pre-Assesment is and I scored within several points of each other on both tests. This course I would not personally transfer in because it is very easy common sense class and can be finished up within two days. My next class, Cultural Studies and Diversity looks like this:

Thanks for this - my son just started at WGU and is working on Critical Thinking - he's working through the modules but he didn't mention a text - I'll make sure he reads through Chapter 4 in the book.

[teacher2]

You can find the recommended book reading on the last page of each module. It will link to a book on vitalsource. I finished the modules the day after orientation but didn't take the final till my webcam came in two weeks later. I reviewed the modules before I took my test. Thumbs up on your son's progress!

[teacher2]

Back for an update. I finished Cultural Studies and Diversity in two weeks. The longest part of it is waiting between evaluations on this class. I spent a total of five days writing on the Performance tasks and 9 days waiting on the evaluators. The first task is pretty much identifying unique things about yourself and your life-pretty easy! The second task was a little more in depth.

Also I have completed Probability and Statistics 1. Here is what it looked like:

One Categorical Variable Week 1
One Quantitative Variable Week 1
Role-Type Classification, Cases C -> Q and C-> C Week 1
Case Q -> Q & Linear Regression Week 2
Causation Week 2
Sampling Methods Week 3
Designing Studies Week 4
Finding Probability of Events Week 4
Theoretical and Empirical Probability Week 5
Conditional Probability and Independence Week 5

I completed this over the weekend but was rather disappointed in the course. I felt that it didn't deal in depth with statistics and the probability section was rather confusing. Because of my other studies I had learned quite a bit about stats and felt that I only picked up a few things from it. Also the course is through Acrobatiq has 12 modules and 2 checkpoints per module average. The checkpoint questions are alot easier than the Pre-Assessment and Final so that also was a eye-opener.

Working on Educational Assessment right now. Will write more later.

Also I have access to the courses that I have transferred in so it's been interesting seeing what would have been better to take thru WGU and what I am thankful to have transferred in!

[SuzanneD]

You are moving right along! :-)

[teacher2]

Thanks SuzanneD! I took my final this morning on my Educational Assessment course and now I am on to Calculus 1.The Educational Assessment course is a objective assessment course. Here is what the Educational Assessment course looks like:

Module 1: Course Mentor Assistance

Unit 2: Using Assessment in Instructional Decision-Making
Module 2: Authentic Assessment
Module 3: Assessment Techniques

Unit 3: Using Assessments to Support Learners with Exceptional Needs
Module 4: English Language Learners
Module 5: Differentiating Instruction and Adaptations
Module 6: Students with Disabilities

Unit 4: Ethical Assessment Practices
Module 7: Ethical Assessment Practices
Module 8: Legal Issues in Assessment Practices

Unit 5: Connection to Assessment Part I
Module 9: Connection to Assessment Part I

Unit 6: Assessment Design and Development
Module 10: Validity and Reliability
Module 11: Bias

Unit 7: Assessment Methods
Module 12: Preparing Achievement Tests
Module 13: Assessment Item Writing: Multiple Choice
Module 14: Assessment Item Writing: True/False, Matching and Interpretive
Module 15: Assessment Item Writing: Short Answer and Essay
Module 16: Performance Assessments
Module 17: Portfolios

Unit 8: Assessment Strategies
Module 18: Assessment Strategies

Unit 9: Assessment and Instructional Alignment
Module 19: Assessment and Instructional Alignment
Module 20: Learning Objectives
Module 21: Bloom's Taxonomy

Unit 10: Connection to Assessment Part II
Module 22: Connection to Assessment Part II

Unit 11: Interpreting and Communicating Assessment Results
Module 23: High Stakes Testing
Module 24: Grading and Reporting
Module 25: Test Talk and Reporting
Module 26: Standardized Tests

Unit 12: Evaluating Assessments
Module 27: Evaluating Assessments Part I
Module 28: Evaluating Assessments Part II
Module 29: Evaluating Assessments Part III

Unit 13: Connection to Assessment Part III
Module 30: Connection to Assessment Part III

Unit 14: Conclusion
Module 31: Preparing for the Assessment

In these modules there are some checkpoint activities but they are not exactly helpful. A basic understanding of English could tell you which word to pick to fill in the blank! Also, there is a 215 pg textbook for required reading, sub-modules(The Iris Center, Educational Impact..etc) and links to articles on other educational websites within the modules. I found that the hardest part was wading through all the different links and going from website to website. One helpful resource I capitalized on where recorded videos by the course mentors that condensed the material related to the competencies. I found it remarkable in this paticular course how well the Pre-Assessment preps you for the Final. After I took both, I compared my coaching reports from both of them and it was pretty identical.

I really enjoyed this course but I think that is in part because I have had some experience in the educational field. I so want to get off the student bench and get back to teaching!

[OE800_85]

Well done,

You seem to be going at breakneck pace. Could you give us a macro view of this? I'm curious how far along you've come in the total progress and how soon you think you'll be finished.

[teacher2]

Thanks OE800_85! As far as a total progress, I completed all the courses in my sig in the space of a year. I begun WGU May 1 2017 and have posted what I have completed. I am currently 57% thru =). Here's the macro view according to my degree plan:

Transfer Courses COMPLETED| Total CU: 55
• Introduction to Communication – C464
• Elements of Effective Communication – C132
• English Composition I – C455
• English Composition II – C456
• Integrated Natural Science – C451
• Integrated Natural Science Applications – C452
• Introduction to Biology – C190
• Foundations of College Mathematics – C457
• Pre-Calculus – C279
• College Algebra – C278
• Introduction to Humanities – C100
• Survey of United States History – C121
• Survey of United States Constitution and Government – C181
• Survey of World History – C375
• Foundational Perspectives of Education – C272
• Classroom Management, Engagement, and Motivation – NBT1
• Fundamentals of Educational Psychology – MZC1

Term 1 (Current)| May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017 Total CU:25
• Finite Mathematics – C306 05/05/17
• Critical Thinking and Logic – C168 05/14/17
• College Geometry – C281 05/18/17
• Cultural Studies and Diversity – EFP1 05/30/17
• Probability and Statistics I – C280 06/06/17
• Educational Assessment – DRC1 06/13/17
• Calculus I – C282 06/13/17 – 07/31/17

Term 2 | November 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018 UNAPPROVED Total CU: 30
• Middle School Mathematics: Content Knowledge – C286
• Fundamentals of Diversity, Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners – NIC1
• Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation – NHC1
• Instructional Planning and Presentation in Mathematics – C113
• Introduction to Preclinical Experiences – ABP1
• Preclinical Experiences in Mathematics – AGP1
• Mathematics History and Technology – C285
• Mathematics Learning and Teaching – C284

Term 3 | November 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019 UNAPPROVED| Total CU: 18
• Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observations 1 and 2 – C315
• Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observation 3 and Midterm – C316
• Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observations 4 and 5 – C317
• Supervised Demonstration Teaching in Mathematics, Observation 6 and Final – C318
• Teacher Work Sample in Mathematics – C345
• Professional Portfolio – C348
Cohort Seminar – C341

[teacher2]

My goal is to complete all of my school in two terms instead of three. I have 19 weeks left to this term(Term 1). All the courses in Term 2 I need to complete before January 2018 because all the courses in Term 3 are only offered at two times in the year -August or January. I want to complete all the Term 2 courses in Term 1. I am shooting for May 2018 for graduation. In addition to this, I will be doing the Praxis core(September 2017), Praxis Middle School Mathematics 5169(August 2017), and Praxis Elementary Reading(sometime between now and graduation!) and a ETPA.