EDN7045

Mathematics education, science education and learning technologies I

Dr G I Romeo

6 points - 7 hours per week - First semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of the mathematics education component of this subject, students should have an understanding of the rationale underlying the teaching of mathematics in the primary school; be aware of the concepts and skills associated with mathematical procedures which are used in the primary school; have a sound knowledge of how young children learn and subsequently apply mathematical concepts; present lessons which show the application of mathematics in everyday life. Upon successful completion of the science education component of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate the basic principles and skills associated with effective science teaching and learning as part of the primary school curriculum; present science lessons which stimulate children's learning and which use a variety of strategies, approaches and resources; explain the significance of children's science as it relates to children's concepts and learning; develop awareness of the need to observe and interpret children's learning behaviour and reactions to science experiences as an evaluation technique. Upon successful completion of the learning technology component of this subject, students should begin to understand and appreciate the role of computers in primary education; have developed computer user skills necessary for the effective use of the computer as a teaching aid; possess a basic understanding of the rationale underpinning the use of wordprocessing, Logo and problem-solving software, world wide web and internet resources in the primary classroom; have developed an understanding of the logistics of using computers as part of the teaching process.

Synopsis This subject is composed of three separate and distinct components. Mathematics education (50%): The topics included in this component cover aspects of number, space, measurement, and change and data as detailed in The Mathematics Primary Course Advice P-6. Science education (25%): The emphases of this component are science teaching and learning. The aim is to provide students with opportunities to participate in practical workshops and develop skills associated with effective science teaching. Learning technologies (25%): This component looks at the role of computers in primary education, teaching about computers and teaching with computers, computer awareness and literacy, and the development of user skills in the applications associated with teaching/learning in the primary classroom environment.

Assessment 80% attendance is required in all three components and each component has its own assessment - Mathematics education: Class test - Learning technologies: Practical work, fieldwork and laboratory work - Science education: Practical work, fieldwork and laboratory work - A satisfactory standard must be reached in all components to gain a pass - The highest grade available in this subject is 'Pass Grade Only' (PGO)

Recommended texts

Department of Education Victoria Learning technologies: Teacher capabilities Department of Education Victoria, 1998
Department of Education Victoria Learning technologies in Victorian schools Department of Education Victoria, 1998
Goodwin R and Day R Exploring desktop publishing McGraw-Hill, 1997
Merrill P F and others Computers in education 3rd edn, Allyn and Bacon, 1996
O'Brien H and Purcell G The primary maths handbook Martin Publications, 1995
Papert S Mindstorms: Children, computers and powerful ideas Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1980
Papert S The children's machine: Rethinking school in the age of the computer Basic Books, 1993
Reys R E, Suydan M U, Lindquist M M and Smith N Helping children learn mathematics 5th edn, Allyn and Bacon, 1998
Sharp V Computer education for teachers 2nd edn, Brown and Benchmark, 1996

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