Teaching mathematics and physics in English

Overview of the similarities and differences between Slovenian and English terminology (including symbols, units, notation, equations etc) in the context of the following topics.

MATHEMATICS: (Part 1) Logic and sets, numbers and arithmetic, rudimentary algebra, planar and spatial geometry, vectors, functions, conic sections; (Part 2) Sequences and series, differential and integral calculus, probability theory, statistics.

PHYSICS: (Part 1) Linear and circular motion, force and torque, Newton's laws and gravitation, momentum, work and energy, the structure of matter, temperature, internal energy, electric charge and electric fields, electric currents, magnetic fields, magnetic induction; (Part 2) Oscillations, waves, light, atoms and atomic nuclei, astronomy

Basic teaching vernacular : Descriptions, explanations, reasoning

Teaching-specific writing: lesson plans, written examinations, seminar papers, reports

Comprehension of mathematics and physics texts: textbooks, popular mathematics and physics text

Writing professional text: combining words, symbols and equations, grammar, structuring text, style

Gary Martin, Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making. NCTM, 2009.

Gary Robert Muschla, Teaching the Common Core Math Standards with Hands-On Activities, Grades 9-12. Jossey-Bass, 2015.

Douglas C. Giancoli, Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition). Pearson, 2016.

Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinšič, Alan Van Heuvelen, College physics : explore and apply. Pearson, 2018.

Students will gain familiarity with the English terms for the concepts from mathematics and physics covered in the high school curriculum. They will learn important approaches to teaching mathematics and physics in English, they will study the principal modes of expression required to teach mathematics and physics in English, and they will learn how to compose mathematics and physics texts in English.

Knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge of the English language expressions required by high school teachers in mathematics and physics. The design of lesson plans and written examinations for teaching mathematics and physics in English. The comprehension and composition of mathematics and physics texts in English.

Application:
The era of internationalisation and globalisation has brought about the need for the expansion of teachers’ competences to include the ability to express oneself and to professionally engage in English. On the one hand, we aim to train our students for teaching mathematics and physics at international schools. On the other hand, we would like to enable them to participate in exchange programs and international teachers’ meetings, and also to provide them with a basis for keeping in touch with international trends in education.

Reflection:
Integrating the teaching of mathematics and physics with that of teaching in a foreign language.

Transferable skills:
Oral and written communication in English.

Lectures, group discussions, seminars, homework, consultations

Type (examination, oral, coursework,
project):

• seminar project (paper and presentation); required for admission to written exam
• written exam

Grading: 5 (fail), 6-10 (pass) (according to the Statutes of UL)