Simon Fraser University
Mathematics Education: Doctor of Philosophy

 

NEXT ADMISSIONS DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15, 2010 FOR A SEPTEMBER 2010 PROGRAM START.

What this program is about...

This program, leading to a PhD degree, is for those interested in becoming scholars and leaders in Mathematics Education. Prior knowledge of Mathematics and issues relating to teaching and learning Mathematics is required.

Which prerequisites are necessary...

A thesis-based MA, with a minimum standing of a 3.5 GPA (B+ average) will normally be required for admissions.

How the program is structured...

 

EDUC 941-5
Historical Overview of Mathematical Thinking and Learning

EDUC 941: Mathematical Learning and Thinking: Historical, Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions
Focus on motivations and rationale guiding seminal thinkers in the historical development of mathematical thinking, mathematical cognition and learning, with an eye toward foundational issues in contemporary educational research, theory and practice.
This course is essential for those specializing in mathematics education at the doctoral level. The course will provide students with a foundational understanding of the field, providing groundwork for understanding its current "state of the art". The course will introduce students to the evolution of mathematical thinking leading up to contemporary research in the area. These historical developments will be examined via three different focus lenses: philosophy, psychology, and mathematical subject matter.
EDUC 942-5
Contemporary Theories and Methodologies in Mathematics Education

EDUC 942: Contemporary Theories and Methodologies in Mathematics Education
Contemporary theories and methodologies in mathematics education will be examined and analysed. Developing an overview of mathematics education as an evolving research domain will be focal.
This course is essential for those specializing in mathematics education. The course will provide students with a broad understanding of the field in its current "state of the art". The course will introduce students to the evolution of research in the area, where "contemporary" is roughly taken to embrace the past 30 years. Research will be examined via three different focus lenses: theory, methodology, and mathematical subject matter.
EDUC 946-5
Doctoral Seminar in Mathematics Education

EDUC 946: Doctoral Seminar in Mathematics Education
This seminar is designed to extend and deepen students' understanding of the discipline of mathematics education. It examines international developments, research programs, special interest groups and issues in mathematics teacher education. It builds on and supports participating students' interests in their academic endeavors.
EDUC 910-5 
Directed Readings

EDUC 910: Directed Readings
Course details are negotiated with the course supervisor.
EDUC 983-5 Comprehensive Examination
EDUC 899-10 Doctoral Thesis

 

One elective graduate course as approved by the supervisor and coordinator of the program.

Non-course Requirements...

Participation in a doctoral program is not synonymous with participation in doctoral course work. A program is greater than the sum of its course work. It includes, among other things, participation in a scholarly community and collaboration with peers. In addition, a program carries with it an implicit understanding that its graduates will have both a broad and a deep understanding of the canon of knowledge that makes up our field. Such an understanding is not achieved solely from course content. As such, there is also a set of non-course requirements for completion of our program. They are:

 

1. Participation in the annual Mathematics Education Doctoral Students Conference (MEDS-C). This will be a one day conference held every November. First year students will be expected to attend the conference. Second year students will be expected to attend, submit proposals, review proposals, and make presentations. Third and fourth (and up) year students will be expected to attend, submit proposals, review proposals, and make presentations, as well as take on the shared responsibility of organizing the conference and producing the proceedings. Of course, any one student may take on more responsibilities than are expected. The proposals will be submitted using either a PME or a PME-NA format. Revisions based on reviewers' comments are expected with the revised manuscripts being published in the proceedings. The MEDS-C will achieve several things:

  • The sharing of expertise among doctoral students.
  • Experience with peer-review.
  • Preparation and critique of PME and PME-NA proposals in a timely manner.
  • Building of an academic community within our program.

2. Participation in the doctoral students' gatherings. These gatherings are designed to foster the building of a scholarly community and to integrate students from different cohorts. These gatherings will occur four times each year. The dates for each of the gatherings will be set one year in advance, and will not change. The only changes in these gatherings that will occur will be the designation of venue.

 

3. Participation in the reading and discussion of books from a pre-assigned list. These books will be chosen in a manner that best reflects the canon of knowledge that spans our field. The discussion of these books will be part of every doctoral students' gathering. As such, the assignment, and expected completion, of each book will be timed in accordance with the gatherings (i.e. four books per year). In addition, one question on the comprehensive examination for each doctoral student will probe their understandings of the books assigned from their first semester of enrolment and up to, but not including, the semester that they write their comprehensive examination.

 

The program faculty are...

How to apply for admissions...

Online application system open from November 15, 2009 to January 15, 2010.

What financial support is available...

Outstanding applicants may be offered financial assistance in the form of an entrance Graduate Fellowship in the amount of $6250. Applicants should note, however, that the number of such fellowships is limited. Additional financial resources can include scholarships and bursuries as well as part-time employment as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA). Information on graduate financial aid and other useful links are available at the University's main information source for graduate students.

Program Fees are...

Tuition - $1565.50/term


Recreation/Athletics - $64.36
Student Activity - $60.65
Student Services - $38.62
Graduation(first 6 terms) - $6.00
Universal Transit Pass - $104.36
Sub-total - $1839.59

Extended Health* - $59.76
Dental* - $67.90
Total - $1967.25

*If students have existing extended health/dental coverage, an opt out
process is available. See www.sfsbenefits.com for deadlines.

Tuition is reduced to $782.80/term after 6 terms for Masters students and 8 terms for PhD students. All other costs remain the same each term.

On leave fee $197.50/term

Fees are subject to change annually.

 

The Current Students are...

Resources are...

FAQs

 

Contact us

For graduate admissions / course registration, contact Mauvereen Walker (educdoc@sfu.ca; 778-782-4787).

 

For academic queries contact Dr. Nathalie Sinclair , Academic Coordinator (nathsinc@sfu.ca; 778-782-4303).

 

 

 

 

Last Updated November 13, 2009 FOE