EDF4116 - Mathematics and numeracy education

Leader: Assoc.Prof. H Forgasz (Clayton) T Barkatsas (Clayton)

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester (Open Learning) 2008 (Open Learning)

Synopsis

In this unit students will be introduced to a range of issues associated with being a secondary mathematics and numeracy teacher. Issues examined include: how children learn mathematics; contemporary mathematics curricula; theories informing the approaches to mathematics teaching advocated; planning to teach mathematics; and locating resources. These issues are examined through a consideration of a range of content areas within the years 7 -10 curriculum.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. understand and appreciate the role of mathematics and numeracy in secondary schooling;
2. develop and apply knowledge of teaching styles, resources and assessment methods for mathematics;
3. explore the needs of diverse groups of students and consider the range of factors that can influence learning outcomes;
4. investigate and evaluate a variety of aspects of school mathematics pedagogy; and
5. examine and evaluate mathematics curriculum documents and their underpinning principles.

Fieldwork

25 days shared across this unit, Core Education Units and students' selection of Core Curriculum/Curriculum Elective Units.

Assessment

This unit is graded Pass Grade Only (PGO); Assessment task 1: Analysis of learning (2,000 words, 50%); Assessment task 2: Reflection and analysis from fieldwork placement (2,000 words, 50%)

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

2 units of first year tertiary level mathematics or by special permission

Co-requisites

EDF4116

Prohibitions

EDF5454