Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit is focused on children's development of mathematical concepts and strategies to facilitate their learning and teaching of numeracy. It develops students' knowledge about children's learning in primary mathematics, including development in early number concepts, written and mental computation, estimation, fractions and decimals, measurement, space, while providing opportunity for them to develop confidence and competence in mathematics. Children's development will also be contextualised in the values portrayed through mathematics teaching. A range of appropriate pedagogical strategies will be used to develop students' understanding of ways to enhance children's learning.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should:

• be able to critically examine personal assumptions about mathematical development and learning;
• be able to provide a rationale for the inclusion of numeracy in the primary school curriculum;
• be able to identify key aspects in children's development of concepts and skills related to number (including fractions and decimals), measurement, and space;
• have developed a range of appropriate teaching strategies to assist children's development of number sense, particularly in the early years of schooling;
• have developed techniques that link mathematics to practical applications, particularly in relation to measurement and space.

Assessment

A written report on observational mathematics tasks undertaken with children. (2000 words) 50%
A class test (2000 words) 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Assoc. Prof. Barbara Clarke

Contact hours

3 hrs per week