EDF4415 - Mathematics education

Leader: Dr H Forgasz (Clayton)

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second 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 teacher. Issues examined include: the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Mathematics, the learning and teaching of calculus and statistics and probability for senior students, how to assess student learning of mathematics, gender issues in the Mathematics classroom, how to cater for individual differences, and language and cultural dimensions in the learning of Mathematics.

Objectives

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

1. examine the Mathematics curriculum at all levels and its underpinning principles;
2. broaden their awareness of Mathematics as a subject to be learnt and to teach;
3. develop knowledge of appropriate teaching approaches and assessment methods for Mathematics;
4. explore the needs of various groups of students and consider the range of factors that can influence learning outcomes;
5. develop knowledge of the resources available to a teacher of Mathematics with an emphasis on the use of ICT;
6. further develop skills in planning Mathematics lessons; and
7. learn about aspects of school Mathematics that they may not previously have encountered.

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: Computer/calculator task (20%); Teaching round portfolio (20%) (1600 words; 40%); Assessment task 2: Contexts and Issues in Secondary Mathematics (2,400 words; 60%: Presentation - 40%; Report - 20%); Hurdle requirement: Satisfactory completion of teaching practice.

Contact hours

3 hrs per week

Prerequisites

A minor sequence in mathematics (Statistics is acceptable provided it is taken within a Mathematics Department), and (EDF4116 Mathematics & numeracy education OR EDF5454).

Prohibitions

EDF5455 Mathematics Education B