units

EDF2161

Faculty of Education

18 September 2017 26 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Education
OfferedNot offered in 2014

Synopsis

This unit addresses the key questions of what are the similarities and distinctions between numeracy and mathematics. Although numeracy is sometimes thought of as a subset of mathematics, it can also be seen as encompassing a different set of aims and objectives. For example, the power of 'pure' mathematics can be thought of as resting in the pleasure that mathematicians gain from 'playing' with mathematics for its own sake, and the resultant ever more abstract nature of the subject. In contrast, being numerate means working in the opposite direction: looking for the mathematics potentially 'hidden' in the world and drawing on quantitative skills to question particular issues. Numeracy is linked to being able to make critically informed judgements, judgements for which mathematical knowledge in itself may not equip one. By addressing such issues the unit develops both students' understanding of numeracy and mathematics and what this means for them as teachers and future leaders of numeracy in schools.

Outcomes

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

  1. articulate the distinction between numeracy and mathematics
  2. demonstrate understanding of the difference between mathematics as a key learning area and numeracy as a general learning area
  3. demonstrate awareness of the different sorts of contexts, problems and activities that lead to learners becoming numerate in their personal and civic lives
  4. articulate how their learning experiences in the unit relate to teaching, learning and leadership in primary schools.

Assessment

Report on a numeracy inquiry (2000 words or equivalent, 50%)
Research report (can include individual and/or group work) (2000 words or equivalent per student, 50%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 3 hour workshop per week

(b.) Additional requirements:

  • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Education - Primary

Prerequisites

EDF1161