M.Ed. in Math Education
- Vancouver Cohort Program

The Program

Mathematics-for-Teaching (M4T) is the area of math education research that is focused on interconnections of teaching and the subject matter of mathematics.

One of the most active topics of research at the moment, M 4T is spurred by the recent realization that, when it comes to mathematics, disciplinary (or content) knowledge of effective teachers is more a matter of understanding deep associations among familiar concepts than it is about taking more advanced courses in math.

In a sense, this Master’s program is focused on developing better understandings of what teachers already know – seeking to enhance teachers’ knowledge of mathematics not by studying more math individually, but by unpacking concepts collaboratively (e.g., identifying and elaborating metaphors, analogies, applications, exemplars, gestures, and other experiences that contribute to the ‘shape’ of an idea).

M 4T is thus designed for those teachers who are seeking to enhance professional practice by developing their mathematical knowledge through collaborative study.

Program Schedule

The UBC M.Ed. in Math Education consists of 30 credits of course work. The proposed schedule is as follows:

* Note that there will be pre-reading requirements for the Summer Institutes.

 

Communication

Participants must have computer and e-mail/internet access. One way UBC students can get Internet and e-mail access is through Netinfo, http://www.netinfo.ubc.ca/, a service provided by the UBC Library and ITServices.

Admission

All students must meet the requirements for this program, which include:

• Normally two years’ teaching experience or other relevant professional experience.

• A completed 4-year undergraduate degree with an average of at least 76% on all senior-level credits.

• A 600-word statement of intent clearly outlining your experiences and interests in mathematics, mathematics teaching, and mathematics education research.

• Statements of support from three referees who can speak to your engagement with mathematics teaching , including, whenever possible, professors familiar with the your academic work.

• Resumé.

pre-requisites

There are no specific pre-requisites for this program.

 

Tuition

Program fees will be paid over a minimum of seven (7) installments of $1,739.63 payable in September, January and May of each year. The program total is $12,177.36 plus applicable student fees.

Tuition fees are in Canadian dollars, are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors, and are subject to change.

Application Process

Application Deadline: January 26, 2009
Online application is now available.

In addition to your on-line application, please forward:

• Two official (sealed) transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (except from UBC)
• Three (sealed) letters of reference. It is strongly recommended that references be submitted electronically (by filling in the referee's email address when completing the online application). If you wish to submit references by mail, the form is available here.
• A one page statement indicating how you think this program will contribute to your work in this field (if you did not complete that in the online application)

You must apply for this program on-line; please print out these instructions and refer to them when actually making your on-line application.

Important Note: If you apply to the wrong program, the Faculty of Graduate Studies will not refund your application fee, or transfer or cancel your application, so please ensure you select the appropriate program or you will have to re-apply and pay an additional $90 application fee.

• Go to http://www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/online/
• Before beginning your application, read all of the instructions
• When you are ready to apply, click on "Apply Online"
• Read the instructions, and click on "Create Your Account" (unless you have already begun your application, in which case you should "Login")
• Once you have created your account, choose "New Application" and then click on "Start a Completely New Application"
• Under "Degree Selection," choose "Master of Education" in the pulldown menu
• Under "Specialization," you must choose "EPLT M. Ed. in Math Education Vancouver - M4T1"
• Proceed with your application as instructed
• When finished entering your information, you must click "Submit" for the application to work
• You will automatically receive an email acknowledgement, with instructions on documentation and deadlines

Some application reminders

• We need sealed transcripts from EVERY post-secondary institution you attended, whether or not they issued you a degree, except UBC. If you are a UBC alumnus, please provide your student number and we will print your transcript.
• If you have transcripts, please enclose or fax us photocopies (604-822-2015). We can make a quick adjudication of your eligibility even before all of your "official" documents arrive. Please note that this adjudication is not official until we have received your sealed transcripts.
• Send everything - EVERYTHING - to EPLT (1304-2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4). The most common delay in admissions is caused by the search for documents that are at other locations on this huge campus.
• It is preferred that references are submitted electronically:  when you submit your application, include the referee's email address.  This will generate an automatic email which contains a link to a site where your referee can enter his/her reference, and then submit it.  They can type as much as they want, despite the apparent size of the text box. This link will only be available when your application is submitted.  If you plan on having your referee(s) submit a reference by mail, please leave the email address blank on the application.
• If you decide to submit any or all of your references by hard copy you can download the reference form for this program here. A letter can take the place of the reference form but it must answer the questions posed in the reference form. The reference form is designed for professors to fill out. If your referee is not a professor, please ask him or her to write about your ability to successfully complete a graduate degree in this particular focus.  Please note:  the reference letters must be received here in sealed envelopes with the referee's signature written across the sealed envelope flap.

For More Information

For academic information contact:

Dr. Brent Davis, Cohort Advisor
UBC Faculty of Education
Department of Curriculum & Pedagogy
604-822-5314  
brent.davis@ubc.ca

District Contact:

Sara Forsey, District Contact
Vancouver School Board
Tel: 604-713-5035
sforsey@vsb.bc.ca

For program, admisison and applications contact:

Tracey Degner, Senior Program Assistant
UBC Faculty of Education
External Programs and Learning Technologies
604-827-5592 or Toll Free 1 888 492-1122
tracey.degner@ubc.ca