EDF1161 - Doing and learning mathematics - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Education

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jill Cheeseman

Unit guides

Offered

Peninsula

  • First semester 2017 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with the opportunity to experience mathematics as a problem-solving discipline and to explore how mathematical knowledge, both within the discipline itself and within individual learners, develops from activity (mental as well as physical) and to reflect upon such activity. Prospective primary school teachers may not have had positive experiences of mathematics and may not be confident of their mathematics. Therefore, the unit challenges students in a supportive environment through 'low threshold' activities designed to promote understanding of mathematical concepts and processes (proficiencies), and build confidence so that students see themselves as mathematically able learners and teachers. The chosen activities have 'high ceilings' that allow the more mathematically confident students to stretch their thinking. Mathematics has its own value and beauty and this unit aims to develop an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning.

Outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate broad and flexible understanding of the content of numerical aspects of mathematics that underpins the curriculum
  2. display confidence in their capacity to engage in mathematical activity and in their ability to continue to learn mathematical subject knowledge for teaching
  3. effectively communicate mathematics to their peers and lecturer, in a variety of media, including information and communication technologies (ICTs)
  4. articulate how their learning experiences in the unit relate to teaching and learning in primary schools.

Assessment

Fractions and decimals interview analysis and learning task development (1600 words equivalent, 40%)

Learning journal (2400 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • 2-hour workshop per week
  2. Additional requirements:
    • 10 hours of independent study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

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