The primary purpose of the course is to provide prospective teachers with an experience in mathematics that will assist them in teaching mathematics. The emphasis is on the development of some of the major ideas in understanding mathematics. Examples include

Scaling and proportional reasoning
Visualizing two- and three-dimensional objects
Constructing units
Understanding standards in the teaching of mathematics
Using technology to assist in learning
Developing problem-solving strategies
Creating a system or framework

Most of the contexts for the activities have a major geometrical component. Not only does the State of Florida require pre-service teachers to complete at least one semester hour in geometry, but also it is well known that geometric reasoning often is a weakness of prospective teachers. The geometry in this course usually arises in a problem-centered environment rather than being presented as an axiomatic system.

Each class is scheduled for 75 minutes twice each week, with one day in a computer laboratory and the other day in a standard classroom. Activities in the computer laboratory involve the use of Geometers' Sketchpad, the spreadsheet Excel, and the Internet. Activities in the classroom include problem-solving, development of models, class discussions, and group work. On the course website students can communicate with each other, obtain useful websites containing technical information and standards in mathematics, submit assignments electronically, check their own grades, and obtain class assignments and summaries.