North Island College is proud to announce the addition of two unique elementary education courses to its university transfer options: First Nations Perspective: Math for Elementary Education I/II (MAT 190/191). The newly developed courses have been approved by the BC College of Teachers and were created to support the ongoing efforts of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Consortium (ATEC), which aims to increase the number of Aboriginal teachers working in British Columbia.
“Culture influences how we all use mathematics,” explains NIC Instructor Pat Corbett-Labatt, who conducted extensive research across Canada and worked closely with local First Nations elders in developing the course content. “Studies have shown that if learners can connect math to their everyday lives and to their traditional culture, they will gain a deeper understanding of the subject.”
While the courses were designed for students pursing a career in elementary education, Corbett-Labatt points out that MAT 190/191 are open to the general public and would benefit anyone interested in learning university-level mathematics in a new way. “Seasoned elementary teachers throughout the region would find these courses an excellent way to refresh their math skills and observe new First Nation learning perspectives in the process," she adds.
According to Vivian Hermansen, NIC’s Director of Aboriginal Education, weaving aboriginal voice into curriculum development and instruction is a priority at North Island College. “Our college region includes thirty-five resident First Nations within the traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Coast Salish, and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples,” adds Hermansen. “In some of our school districts, the percentage of aboriginal students in one classroom can be as high as forty percent.”
MAT 190 will be offered for the first time this fall at NIC’s Campbell River campus. Classes are scheduled to take place on Saturdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm to provide greater accessibility for out-of-town participants.
Course info at a glance:
What: First Nations Perspective: Math for Elementary Education I (MAT 190)
Start: Sept. 8 to Dec. 8, 2007. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Saturdays
Where: North Island College, Campbell River campus
Tuition: $238.50 + books/fees
Prerequisite: C in Math 11 or equivalent
Availability: 10 seats
In combination, MAT 190 and 191 equal a first-year university mathematics course. Transfer agreements with the University of Victoria, Malaspina University-College, and Simon Fraser University are already in place, with more agreements in progress.
For more information, call or email Pat Corbett-Labatt at 250-949-2861 or pat.corbettlabatt@nic.bc.ca. Space is limited; students are encouraged to apply soon to avoid disappointment. Call 1-800-715-0914 to book a free appointment with a friendly advisor at any North Island College campus or centre or apply online today: www.nic.bc.ca.
-30-
For further information contact:
Susan Toresdahl
Director College Relations
(250) 334-5271